whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈ(h)wip-ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: something resembling a blow from a whip

the whiplash of fear

—R. S. Banay

3

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck from the rear by another vehicle)

Examples of whiplash in a Sentence

He got whiplash when his car was rear-ended.

Recent Examples on the Web

Such tonal whiplash is intentionally jarring, but not any less irksome. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 7 Oct. 2024

This sentiment echoes a growing concern among creators who have experienced the whiplash of sudden algorithm changes. —Ian Shepherd, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

The Yang family’s journey from China to 30 Rock is a tale of generational whiplash. —Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024

This can causes a sense of whiplash, which can make some people feel deceived. —Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash -ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp jerking movement of the head and neck (as of a person in a car that is struck from behind by another car)

Medical Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈhwip-ˌlash, ˈwip- 

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck head-on or from the rear by another vehicle)