critical hit

[ krit-i-kuhl hit ]

noun

1. a movie, song, or the like that is highly favored by professional critics:

   The two movies they made together were both blockbusters as well as critical hits.

   The song was a critical hit, garnering several nominations and two awards in its category.

2. Informal, . (in role-playing games) a particularly successful, damaging blow or move against one’s opponent, usually due to an advantageous roll of the die or dice:

   I had a hard time on the first few levels, with low health from a steady stream of critical hits against me.

   In this game any roll that adds up to 12 is a critical hit and inflicts major damage, regardless of defenses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical hit¹

First recorded in 1955–60 critical hit fordef 1; 2000–05 critical hit fordef 2