backlash

noun

back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash 

1

a

: a sudden violent backward movement or reaction

b

: the play between adjacent movable parts (as in a series of gears)

also : the jar caused by this when the parts are put into action

2

: a snarl in that part of a fishing line wound on the reel

3

: a strong adverse reaction (as to a recent political or social development)

backlasher noun

Examples of backlash in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The boycott also follows weeks of mounting global backlash against companies like Tesla, led by billionaire and Trump supporter Elon Musk, who has publicly aligned himself with far-right parties in Europe and taken an increasingly active role in the Trump administration. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

Its removal sparked years of backlash, petitions, and pleas for its return. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The deal brokered on March 20 led to fierce backlash. —Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Mar. 2025

Meanwhile, Elon Musk is set to continue his work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) despite a public backlash against him, which has seen his electric vehicle company Tesla targeted by protesters. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing backlash

• anti-backlash

Rhymes for backlash

• chumash
• eyelash
• moustache
• mustache
• noncash
• potash
• rehash
• whiplash
• ash
• bash
• brash
• cache

Kids Definition

backlash

noun

back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash 

: a reaction against some political or social development