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

And that is the most important thing here: if FIFA changes its rules and takes away the notion that a ‘host nation’ would have to give its explicit approval for a match like this to take place in its country, that would completely undermine its members, and that should prompt a huge backlash. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025

Now, the administration is putting on a show of force in DC with no fear of backlash. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The creation of an entirely new style of music, and its coming into being as part of a backlash to the anti-disco backlash, is a complex tale, and Bratton’s braiding together the strands into a coherent, compelling narrative speaks to his gifts as a storyteller. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025

Creators like James Welsh, Katie Raymond, Jillie Clark and Nikkie de Jager made videos and comments decrying the choice and publicly rescinding support for the brand. e.l.f. responds to backlash e.l.f. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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