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

Tina Fey in 30 Rock Ali Goldstein—NBC/NBCU Photo Bank Yet the hair-trigger sensitivities of audiences predisposed to judge Fey harshly have also fueled ridiculous backlashes. —Judy Berman, Time, 1 May 2025

Trump's decision to shutter the agency and cut most staff and programs has faced backlash, especially over how the memorial to the dead would be handled. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

The error quickly sparked backlash online, with some fans even calling for a boycott of the brand. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025

Following intense backlash from residents on the west side of the district, that plan was scrapped on March 14, with the school district citing financial hurdles. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 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