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

Trump’s comments about Rob Reiner sparked backlash from GOP leaders on Monday. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Moderates in Johnson's party clashed with him behind closed doors later Tuesday afternoon, questioning the speaker not only on his intent to allow the COVID-era subsidies for health care premiums to expire, but also the party's messaging as lawmakers brace for the backlash from their constituents. —Lauren Peller, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2025

And some semblance of a backlash has already begun. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025

In many ways, the backlash boils down to a trust problem. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 16 Dec. 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