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 first quarter was the second-worst for auto deliveries since mid-2022, trailing only the year earlier period, when Tesla paused production of Model Y SUVs and dealt with widespread backlash to Musk’s political activities. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026

At the time, Sweeney was facing a wave of backlash over her controversial jeans campaign for American Eagle. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Those proposals follow a winter in which many customers reported unusually high bills, prompting backlash and calls for greater scrutiny of the utility’s costs and pricing. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

Hersheypark decided to roll back a new face‑covering policy after signage targeting guests under 21 prompted confusion and backlash online. —Drew Pittock, USA Today, 23 Apr. 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