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

There was initially a ton of backlash around her introduction. —Jaha Nailah Avery, Essence, 13 May 2025

Neglect your online presence, and you risk scrutiny, criticism or even a viral backlash. —Uri Samet, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

On’s journey to the American South occurred during an era when Chinese immigrants across the United States faced backlash, threats and violence. —Erika Hayasaki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025

Listen to this article Public backlash against San Diego’s plan to close all city library branches every Sunday and Monday has prompted the city’s head librarian to agree to propose alternatives, like giving some branches longer hours than others. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 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