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

All of this has prompted waves of criticism and backlash. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2025

The president earned widespread backlash for attacking Rob Reiner after the director’s death in early December. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 31 Dec. 2025

Continue reading … STAND YOUR GROUND – Politico reporter faces backlash over post about Minnesota daycare fraud investigations. —FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025

The law set off public backlash, resulting in a campaign to overturn it by referendum. —Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 Dec. 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