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 arrests come amid growing political backlash in Illinois. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

The company has also faced backlash from CEO Elon Musk’s political activities. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025

However, that was short-lived and after a wave of backlash, the late night show returned to air. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Sharon, 72, was an original cohost on the series from its debut in 2010 but left more than a decade later following backlash for her on-air defense of friend Piers Morgan. —Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

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