definitions

whiplash

[ hwip-lash, wip- ]
/ ˈʰwɪpˌlæʃ, ˈwɪp- /

noun

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

to beat, hit, throw, etc., with or as if with a whiplash.
to affect adversely, as by a sudden change: new taxes whiplashing corporate earnings.

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Nearby words

whip-round, whip-tailed, whip-tailed ray, whipbird, whipcord, whiplash, whiplash injury, whipped, whipper-in, whippersnapper, whippet

Origin of whiplash

1565–75; 1950–55 for def 6; whip + lash1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for whiplash injury (1 of 2)

whiplash injury

noun

med informal any injury to the neck resulting from a sudden thrusting forwards and snapping back of the unsupported headTechnical name: hyperextension-hyperflexion injury

British Dictionary definitions for whiplash injury (2 of 2)

whiplash

/ (ˈwɪpˌlæʃ) /

noun

a quick lash or stroke of a whip or like that of a whip
med See whiplash injury
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for whiplash injury (1 of 2)

whiplash injury

n.

A hyperextension-hyperflexion injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking movement of the head, either in a backward or forward direction.

Medicine definitions for whiplash injury (2 of 2)

whiplash

[ wĭp′lăsh′ ]

n.

Whiplash injury.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.