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 Daily Telegraph: [T]he business is likely to face a backlash from activist investors, who are said to hold up to 5pc of the company’s shares, and are concerned about a decision to reverse its pledges to cut oil production and move towards greener energy. —Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 6 May 2024

But public backlash prompted the city to retreat in 2022 and update its rule to begin requiring minimum setbacks of 4 feet for ADUs built next to residential properties. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 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