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 comedian landed the gig and then later was forced to step down when backlash began over old homophobic jokes. —Megan Vick, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2024

Zakaria tells the epic story of the upheavals, breakthroughs, backlashes, and transformations that marked the rise of Western liberalism and industrial modernity, looking for insights to explain today’s fraught global moment. —Fareed Zakaria, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing backlash

• anti-backlash

Kids Definition

backlash

noun

back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash 

: a reaction against some political or social development