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

In March, Hong Kong authorities began requiring that at least half of all new public-works contracts specify metal scaffolding, which generated a backlash from scaffolding unions and the construction industry.

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The backlash, though, often conflates flawed implementation with a flawed idea.

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Thompson, from Suffolk, said she and fellow competitors were "mentally drained" having "received backlash and insults" since the decision, which "needs to stop".

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And Cracker Barrel abandoned a new logo and restaurant remodeling program after a headline-generating backlash.

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If Reeves presents credible fiscal measures that raise revenue without sparking a backlash from other Labour lawmakers then some of that premium could compress, although it probably won’t disappear altogether, he said.

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Related Words

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