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

/ ˈbækˌlæʃ /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of backlash¹

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

Example Sentences

The global superstar addressed backlash over his upcoming 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, which he’s confirmed will be performed entirely in Spanish.

From Salon

Speaking on his podcast this week, Bill Burr defended his Riyadh performance in the face of the backlash.

From BBC

In January last year the firm faced a backlash after revealing it would no longer hire new staff on the real living wage, instead paying the lower legal minimum wage.

From BBC

Only a month later, Jarmond faced backlash for being slow to wade into a controversy involving a racial slur used by a member of the women’s gymnastics team.

From Los Angeles Times

High-profile releases can be magnets for controversy, as Sucker Punch recently found when a developer's joke about the death of right-wing American activist Charlie Kirk prompted a backlash.

From BBC

Related Words

• reaction 
• repercussion 
• resentment 
• resistance 
• response 
• retaliation