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blowback

British  
/ ˈbləʊˌbæk /

noun

  1. the escape to the rear of gases formed during the firing of a weapon or in a boiler, internal-combustion engine, etc

  2. the action of a light automatic weapon in which the expanding gases of the propellant force back the bolt, thus reloading the weapon

"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

Example Sentences

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If he gets blowback, he doubles down, more convinced than ever that his instincts are correct.

From Salon Jul. 2, 2026

Flock blames the blowback on misunderstanding its technology and disinformation spread by opponents.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 26, 2026

"If anyone can survive a price increase with minimal blowback, it's Apple," he added.

From BBC Jun. 25, 2026

The social media blowback exploded like a digital Montezuma’s revenge.

From Los Angeles Times May 13, 2026

He zinged her with that one, and even though it was super petty, all of us were yikes-ing from the blowback.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds

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