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

Owners and trainers hope that will assuage concerns by lawmakers and regulators and discourage the kind of backlash that would hinder growth of the sport. —Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024

Costco doubles down on ‘wokeness’ while ignoring Bud Light backlash. —Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024

The sudden surge of global attention saw visitors flock to the zoo, whose gift shop was quickly overflowing with Moo Deng merch, soon followed by the sort of backlash that at this point feels almost de rigueur for any viral sensation. —Rebecca Messina, The Week Uk, theweek, 30 Dec. 2024

Since all of the backlash began, Severino has decided to lean into the evil persona adopting the Hannibal Lecter mask worn by Sir Anthony Hopkins in the Silence of the Lambs movie. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 29 Dec. 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