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

Sey has achieved this despite frequent backlash and harassment from critics, and even having her brand completely banned from TikTok in June. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024

Trump had nominated Gaetz to be the next attorney general, overseeing the same Justice Department that launched an investigation into him, though the Florida Republican later withdrew himself from consideration following a public backlash. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

President Joe Biden is leaning heavily into his clemency powers in the waning days of his term, using a tool only available to an incumbent without fear of political backlash. —W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Dec. 2024

Lively also faced backlash during her promotion of the film, as fans criticized her for downplaying and being overly dismissive of domestic violence, a key theme in the film. —Alison Durkee, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing backlash

• anti-backlash

Kids Definition

backlash

noun

back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash 

: a reaction against some political or social development