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View synonyms for

backlash

[ bak-lash ]

noun

  1. a sudden, forceful backward movement; recoil.
  2. a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change:

    a backlash of angry feeling among Southern conservatives within the party.

  3. Machinery.
    1. the space between the thickness of a gear tooth and the width of the space between teeth in the mating gear, designed to allow for a film of lubricant, binding from heat expansion and eccentricity, or manufacturing inaccuracies.
    2. play or lost motion between loosely fitting machine parts.
  4. Angling. a snarled line on a reel, usually caused by a faulty cast.


verb (used without object)

  1. to make or undergo a backlash.

backlash

/ ˈæˌæʃ /

noun

  1. a reaction or recoil between interacting worn or badly fitting parts in a mechanism
  2. the play between parts
  3. a sudden and adverse reaction, esp to a political or social development

    a public backlash against the government is inevitable

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of backlash1

First recorded in 1805–15; back 2 + lash 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It came amid other hints of de-escalation in Trump's economic rhetoric as his policies, especially trade tariffs, have faced rising political and business backlash.

From

The initiative came as South Africa faced a backlash from then-US President Joe Biden's administration, which questioned its professed neutrality in the conflict after it held a naval exercise with Russia and China.

From

It follows Microsoft's Recall feature, which was an always-on tool - before the firm faced a backlash and decided to allow people to disable it.

From

Benson Boone scored the world's most popular song of last year with Beautiful Things - but that success has come with a backlash.

From

Shares rose after President Trump purchased a Model S on the White House lawn in March, but fell significantly in early April as investors became increasingly worried about a backlash against the Tesla brand.

From

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