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

On top of that, the GOP’s vaccine missteps could spark a cataclysmic, entirely preventable, midterm backlash. —Jerome Adams, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026

The first-of-its-kind event sparked a backlash. —Ionela Bara, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026

The sheer volume of backlash to the character affirms that Love Story’s portrait isn’t just cruel to Hannah. —Judy Berman, Time, 6 Mar. 2026

The quip garnered some laughter from the men, prompting backlash for all involved. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 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