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 marketing campaign worked so well that litter soon became a problem across the U.S., and there was a public backlash. —Michael Copley, NPR, 9 June 2024

Bob Blumenfield said sending the proposal to voters without a proper vetting would risk a public backlash, endangering other reform measures planned for the Nov. 5 ballot. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024

Due to public and private backlash, Lentz and Laura went into seclusion for three years. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 7 June 2024

That backlash is being reinforced by the nationalist, nativist parties that resent the loss of sovereignty to Brussels. —Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 7 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing backlash

• anti-backlash

Kids Definition

backlash

noun

back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash 

: a reaction against some political or social development