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 ride-sharing company Uber increased the number of days employees had to show up in person from two to three, the mandate set off a fiery backlash. —Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 June 2025

While Trump’s ire and backlash from the GOP base appeared to prove decisive for Tillis’s decision, the episode marked only the latest clash between the senator and the president in recent months. —Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025

Its hushed and chipper but ailing singles drew backlash; some challenged the writer’s agency, insinuating that Jack Antonoff, who co-produced the album, led her astray. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025

President Donald Trump responded to a question about recent backlash that Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has received from some of his Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters, who have been critical of her recent remarks from the bench. —Dan Gooding gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 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