whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈ(h)wip-ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: something resembling a blow from a whip

the whiplash of fear

—R. S. Banay

3

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck from the rear by another vehicle)

Examples of whiplash in a Sentence

He got whiplash when his car was rear-ended.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not become apparent until hours or days later. —Nia Bowers, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

The regulatory whiplash that will likely ensue over the next few years will be tough for colleges to process, said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. —Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024

With Trump’s reelection, global climate negotiations are facing another whiplash moment as Americans seesaw between presidential extremes, said Meyer. —Brandon Miller, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024

America's whiplash election ends Tuesday when polls close nationwide following a year of political uncertainty and violence unlike any other in this country's modern history. —Noah Bressner, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash -ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp jerking movement of the head and neck (as of a person in a car that is struck from behind by another car)

Medical Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈhwip-ˌlash, ˈwip- 

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck head-on or from the rear by another vehicle)