Main Entry: back·lash

Pronunciation: \ˈbak-ˌlash\

Function: noun

Date: 1815

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)

— back·lash·er noun