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 Directors Guild of Korea (DGK) has also come to the defense of the filmmakers, arguing that the backlash has spilled over from the film to the lives and livelihoods of the people who made it. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Amid the backlash, the White House has defended the television spots as public service announcements meant to educate voters and promote patriotism. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026

The production also agreed to address backlash to their use of private security, ensuring there would be no policing or harassing of locals on nearby public streets. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco is facing backlash from fellow comics who claim his takeover of SiriusXM’s Raw Comedy channel is harming up-and-coming talent, as reported earlier by Deadline. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 6 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