whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈ(h)wip-ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: something resembling a blow from a whip

the whiplash of fear

—R. S. Banay

3

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck from the rear by another vehicle)

Examples of whiplash in a Sentence

He got whiplash when his car was rear-ended.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even with the incremental changes, data indicates the job market is relatively stable, if cooling, but many Americans are feeling whiplash from the rapid-fire hiring and wage growth during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic recovery. —Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 16 July 2024

To be sure, American households aren’t suddenly going to forget the whiplash of inflation that has strained their finances. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 12 July 2024

With its morally-gray anti-heroine, steamy angst and whiplash twists, Violet Made of Thorns packs a punch. —Heather Walter, Peoplemag, 9 Aug. 2024

Adorable, complex, and deliriously entertaining, Timpson’s second feature is nothing short of a testament to giving yourself artistic whiplash with polar-opposite projects that need many of the same skills. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash -ˌlash 

1

: the lash of a whip

2

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp jerking movement of the head and neck (as of a person in a car that is struck from behind by another car)

Medical Definition

whiplash

noun

whip·​lash ˈhwip-ˌlash, ˈwip- 

: injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head (as of a person in a vehicle that is struck head-on or from the rear by another vehicle)