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

Boards and executive teams continue to find opportunities to augment their companies through technology while protecting their brands and reputations from potential backlash to AI and robotics. — John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

The political backlash to the shooting at Bondi can be seen as a product of fear stoked by the attack, of course, but beneath that a deeper anxiety about the transformations occurring in Australian society can be detected. — Oscar Schwartz, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Amid the backlash, Dershowitz appeared on CNN twice to explain and defend his argument, and the network aired his remarks in full. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Although there are circumstantial reasons why the surveys are being published now, Dack believes that the current wave of historical reckoning also functions as a civic and institutional backlash to the political rise of the far right. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 June 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