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

However, Israeli officials told CNN Netanyahu shelved the legislation amid concern over international backlash. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Despite The Odyssey receiving pre-release backlash from some people in the MAGA-verse, right-wing influencer Ben Shapiro is a fan of Christopher Nolan‘s take on the epic story. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026

Brunch backlash Does welcoming a political candidate into a business amount to endorsing his campaign? — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

The combination of low-friction actuation, dual joint encoders and minimal backlash enables highly accurate motion control while providing continuous force feedback during manipulation. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026

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