backlash

American  

[bak-lash] / ˈbækˌlæʃ /

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.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make or undergo a backlash.

backlash British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of backlash

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

Explanation

When many people react against something in the same way, you can call it a backlash. A backlash against government policies can result in mass protests. When people get angry enough about something — or just tired of hearing about it — the result can be a backlash. An influx of refugees to a city can cause a backlash against immigration, and the popularity of a particular style of music might eventually cause a backlash against it. A true backlash involves many people acting together. The original, 1815 meaning of backlash was "recoil between parts of a machine." It wasn't until the 1950's that the figurative meaning came into use.

Example Sentences

The possibility of a populist backlash is especially relevant currently, given that the share of national income going to labor is now at an all-time low.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

While there is no way to know how many of those who have clicked on the online petition are actually Real Madrid fans, the backlash has arrived at a sensitive time.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The company has faced backlash from some consumers and lawmakers who allege its dominance in the ticket-selling space has led to a lack of choice and rising ticket prices for purchasers.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Rogan also recently mocked what he called the “ridiculous” backlash against Kimmel, noting that “nobody gave a s—t” about it until after a violent incident suddenly transformed it into a supposed incitement.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

“I was terrified of a backlash, of people asking me, ‘Are you even human?’

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

Related Words

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