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 backlash against a 5.30pm kick-off for the 2023 Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal led to it being rescheduled for 4pm. —Eduardo Tansley, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024

But Li resigned barely two years later amid an outpouring of backlash from fans over the team’s lackluster performance in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

With Wayne slamming the backlash against Belichick, some fans flipped his words against him. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024

Google ‘woke’ Christmas ad sparks outrage: Rising reacts Niall Stanage and Amber Duke weigh in on backlash Google is getting for using a nonbinary influencer in Christmas ad. —The Hill, 13 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