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 shooting comes amid heightened tensions between federal immigration authorities and Minneapolis officials, after DHS deployed thousands of additional officers to the area in recent days, sparking protests and backlash from city leaders. —Stepheny Price , Alexandra Koch , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026

The subsequent backlash was quick online, prompting Hilton to issue an apology. —Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

The raise comes amid a huge backlash over Grok, the X chatbot. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026

By investing in optics, tech companies may blunt some of that backlash. —Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 7 Jan. 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