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 attorney general faced immense backlash from the left and the right over her comments, prompting her to clarify the remarks, which were widely interpreted as calling for unlawful prosecutions, on Tuesday morning. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025

However, there have been some social media posts and videos celebrating his killing, while others have criticized Kirk and his beliefs, which has in turn triggered a backlash. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

Nexstar’s move shows a backlash taking shape. —Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

The move has been met with backlash from producers who have in the past used Channel 4 commissions as a bedrock to build their businesses by retaining the IP and selling it around the world. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Sep. 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