pushback
Americannoun
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a mechanism that forces an object backward.
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opposition or resistance to a plan, action, statement, etc..
The regulations got some pushback from farmers.
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the forcing of an enemy to withdraw.
Etymology
Origin of pushback
First recorded in 1940–45; push ( def. ) + back 2 ( def. )
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.
Pushback intensified after the official White House account posted a video montage celebrating US strikes.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
Pushback on implementing double first bases might come from purists, but player safety has become an overarching concern as salaries have increased.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025
Pushback on social media suggests some IJGBs are all front - they may lap up the returning hero adulation but in fact lack financial clout.
From BBC • Mar. 22, 2025
Pushback has previously come from universities, schools, municipalities, businesses and the Catholic Church over the financial implications of facing an unknown number of suits for old allegations.
From Washington Times • Jun. 6, 2023
Pushback against the policy has been ongoing, with LGBTQ+ activists, advocates and allies on campus turning up the pressure in recent months.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2022
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.
