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 demonstration drew verbal and physical backlash from other spectators, prompting Providence Park security to remove Lane and the rest of the group. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

This decision sparked immediate outcry, including from the advisory group of mathematicians the company itself had assembled in response to earlier backlash. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026

But the death of a follower there and stories from that follower's widow led to a backlash, which ended with Crowley being expelled from Italy. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

The company also highlighted political backlash as a possible risk to its business. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 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