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

Washington can’t stop talking about AI doom scenarios and the public backlash to data centers — but around the world, sentiment toward the fast-moving technology is much more nuanced. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The proposal was withdrawn following heavy backlash by Democrats and civil liberties groups, with eventual bipartisan support to delete the clause from a broader bill. — Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026

Automakers are also grappling with certain skilled labor shortages and an aging human workforce—although the push to deploy more robots and AI has generated backlash from labor unions concerned about layoffs and pressure on worker compensation. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

When a backlash sent him back to New York, he was repeatedly indicted but eluded criminal conviction. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 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