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

Despite these assurances, the announcement has sparked significant backlash.

Read more on Salon

But the enthusiasm wasn’t shared in Hollywood, where the new AI tools have created a swift backlash.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A backlash over his reliance on an AI-generated campaign video, as his opponents actively wooed voters on the ground, saw him rush north on his return home.

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"Following backlash from residents the comment was swiftly deleted. But the damage is done," she said.

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

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Related Words

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