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 concerns over subliminal white supremacy prompted an enormous backlash in conservative circles, including from Vice President JD Vance. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2025

Others have come out in defense of the ad and mocked the online backlash, including politicians like Vice President JD Vance. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025

Despite the backlash, Walker joins a growing list of artists—including Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and K. Michelle—who’ve faced similar public judgment for cosmetic procedures. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Aug. 2025

The ad triggered backlash from critics on social media who felt the ad comes close to promoting eugenics, implying Sweeney’s blonde-haired, blue-eyed genes are more desirable than other traits. —Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 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