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

Despite the whiplash nature of his return to the majors, Rortvedt found all-around success.

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Panic, confusion and then a hasty White House climbdown - it was a weekend of whiplash for hundreds of thousands of Indians on H-1B visas.

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And the whiplash of this incredibly blatant person is suddenly back in my life.

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Climate scientists call the swings between these extremes weather whiplash and they affect us all.

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Lucky for us, this fall boasts a strong collection of titles with a diverse set of genres, ideal for anyone still recovering from the whiplash incurred by the car crash that was “M3GAN 2.0.”

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