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

Others yet described Democrats retaking both chambers as part of a natural cycle of backlash for the incumbent party. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

The spot sparked national bipartisan backlash on grounds that Acton's mother had lost custody of her children decades ago after her husband, their stepfather, was indicted for raping Acton as a child. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

Members of the president's party also have to reckon with their leader's sinking approval ratings and the subsequent voter backlash. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Thousands of volunteers nationwide were also mobilized to be poll monitors, a backlash to the idea of potential federal election interference. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 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