pendulum effect

noun

1. Also called pendulum law. Physics.,  a law, discovered by Galileo in 1602, that describes the regular, swinging motion of a pendulum by the action of gravity and acquired momentum.

2. the theory holding that trends in culture, politics, etc., tend to swing back and forth between opposite extremes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pendulum effect¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

In general terms, the pendulum effect familiar from American politics, where the party in power tends to lose ground in off-year elections, also applies across the pond.

From Salon

“We’ve experienced a pendulum effect in Britain,” he said.

From Time

As history has taught us, presidencies are subject to the pendulum effect.

From Washington Post

I’m basing my predictions on the pendulum effect.

From Washington Post

“There’s almost always a pendulum effect,” on enrollment over the years, he said.

From Washington Times