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

While Meghan has not confirmed the photo’s location, that hasn’t stopped her from facing severe backlash online. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 27 July 2026

Meta seems to be going for a broad consumer play, recruiting celebrities for advertisements but dealing with backlash around privacy concerns. — Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Earlier this year, two Americans protesting ICE actions in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, were killed, sparking a backlash nationwide. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

Circadian sunmaxxing is the backlash, a free, low-tech habit built around a single idea. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 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