pushback

American  

[poosh-bak] / ˈpʊʃˌbæk /

noun

1. a mechanism that forces an object backward.

2. opposition or resistance to a plan, action, statement, etc..

   The regulations got some pushback from farmers.

3. the forcing of an enemy to withdraw.

---

Etymology

Origin of pushback

First recorded in 1940–45; push ( def. ) + back ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The pushback there is tepid at best and non-existent at worst.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

Richard Wyn Jones, director of the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University, thinks ap Iorwerth's confidence on the question of internal pushback is well-placed.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

His vision for the building has been 20 years in the making, and he’s faced an enormous amount of pushback, but the structure is here and his enthusiasm for it has not waned.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Industry officials said a merger would create significant antitrust concerns and likely face pushback from various groups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

She listened to the war reports on Radio Biafra more carefully, as if there might be clues about Ugwu in the ebullient voice reporting the pushback of the vandals, the successes of gallant Biafran soldiers.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie