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

When Sewell pitched his own meme coin, the backlash on social media was swift. —Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026

The ongoing backlash hasn’t stopped tech companies from growing their users. —Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026

Amid backlash over Funston’s case, the board last week moved to reconsider Vogelsang’s release. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026

The school board's approval of its budget prompted backlash due to a lack of funding for Oakland Mills High School, as families were pushing for renovations to address mold, temperature problems and poor facilities. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 Mar. 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