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

For example, one major insurance brand faced backlash following the California wildfires earlier this year. —Dave Minifie, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

His initial hesitation gave way to public praise for Israel's strikes, but the shift has triggered backlash from some of his most loyal media allies and exposed cracks within his political base. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

As your career has grown beyond CCM in terms of music listener recognition, has there been any kind of backlash or criticism from music listeners or the industry? —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 17 June 2025

San Francisco drops equity grading program after backlash The San Francisco Unified School District will not be moving forward with a controversial equity grading strategy that was proposed this week after significant backlash. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 June 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