whiplash

[hwip-lash, wip-]

noun

1. the lash of a whip.

2. an abrupt snapping motion or change of direction resembling the lash of a whip.

3. Also whiplash injury. a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking backward, forward, or both, of the head.

   Whiplash resulted when their car was struck from behind.

4. Also called whiplash curve. a connected series of reverse curves of more or less elliptical form, used as a major design motif in the Art Nouveau style.

verb (used with object)

1. to beat, hit, throw, etc., with or as if with a whiplash.

2. to affect adversely, as by a sudden change.

   new taxes whiplashing corporate earnings.

whiplash

/ ˈwɪpˌlæʃ /

noun

1. a quick lash or stroke of a whip or like that of a whip

2. med See whiplash injury

Word History and Origins

Origin of whiplash¹

First recorded in 1565–75; 1950–55 whiplash for def. 6; whip + lash ¹

Example Sentences

For Hobby Works, a chain of two toy stores in Maryland, pressure from tariff costs and whiplash on economic policy this year has been compounded in recent weeks by the federal government shutdown.

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One key reason for the market’s whiplash is the absence of government data.

Read more on Barron's

One key reason for the market’s whiplash is the absence of government data.

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The move spares residents from a hike in electricity prices and restores certainty to an energy sector long paralyzed by regulatory whiplash.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The whiplash in the lithium industry has extended far beyond just one mine, though.

Read more on Barron's