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
Some have posited that the tensions at Giant Rock may be fueled, in part, by the same kind of backlash.
—
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024
Later, the Hunger Games star called out the media for fanning the flames of the bigoted backlash against her by reporting on racist criticism of her.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 June 2024
Related article Mass arrests in Kenya as angry citizens protest against tax hikes
The government has faced backlash and protests since Tuesday over the controversial bill and was forced to amend it after dozens of demonstrators rallied outside the country’s parliament building.
—Larry Madowo, CNN, 20 June 2024
The conservative backlash targets each of those rungs.
—Byeva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for backlash 
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2024
Later, the Hunger Games star called out the media for fanning the flames of the bigoted backlash against her by reporting on racist criticism of her.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 June 2024
Related article Mass arrests in Kenya as angry citizens protest against tax hikes
The government has faced backlash and protests since Tuesday over the controversial bill and was forced to amend it after dozens of demonstrators rallied outside the country’s parliament building.
—Larry Madowo, CNN, 20 June 2024
The conservative backlash targets each of those rungs.
—Byeva Roytburg, Fortune, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for backlash
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backlash.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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