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 tools are controversial, prompting concerns from developers and backlash from some fans.

Read more on BBC

Domestically, the austerity measures have been met with growing backlash, as people's purchasing power declines and the country faces a likely economic recession.

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In a revanchist backlash, music was a balm.

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In the process, his tactics have sparked a rule change from FIDE, instant backlash to the change, and sent the chess world into a full-blown freakout.

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The latest approval drew backlash from antiabortion lawmakers and groups that have questioned the drug’s safety and pushed for further restrictions on how it can be prescribed and dispensed.

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Related Words

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