whiplash
Americannoun
-
an abrupt snapping motion or change of direction resembling the lash of a whip.
-
Also whiplash injury. a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking backward, forward, or both, of the head.
Whiplash resulted when their car was struck from behind.
-
Also called whiplash curve. a connected series of reverse curves of more or less elliptical form, used as a major design motif in the Art Nouveau style.
verb (used with object)
-
to beat, hit, throw, etc., with or as if with a whiplash.
-
to affect adversely, as by a sudden change.
new taxes whiplashing corporate earnings.
noun
-
a quick lash or stroke of a whip or like that of a whip
-
med See whiplash injury
Etymology
Origin of whiplash
First recorded in 1565–75; 1950–55 whiplash for def. 6; whip + lash 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I half expected a Snidely Whiplash twirl of the mustache or a Bertram Oleander sidewise glance and sneer.
From Salon • Jan. 16, 2026
I have two which are Whiplash and The Wolf of Wall Street.
From BBC • Oct. 4, 2025
The band took a quick break, mopped off, changed outfits and returned as Whiplash Smile, a Billy Idol tribute band that kept booties shaking and drinks flowing till after midnight.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2019
Simmons’ character in Whiplash, Godzilla, and both Gallagher brothers.
From Slate • Oct. 10, 2018
"Whiplash win in the fi'th," he volunteered presently.
From From a Bench in Our Square by Adams, Samuel Hopkins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
