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View synonyms for

backlash

[ bak-lash ]

noun

  1. a sudden, forceful backward movement; recoil.
  2. a strong or violent reaction, as to some social or political change:

    a backlash of angry feeling among Southern conservatives within the party.

  3. Machinery.
    1. the space between the thickness of a gear tooth and the width of the space between teeth in the mating gear, designed to allow for a film of lubricant, binding from heat expansion and eccentricity, or manufacturing inaccuracies.
    2. play or lost motion between loosely fitting machine parts.
  4. Angling. a snarled line on a reel, usually caused by a faulty cast.


verb (used without object)

  1. to make or undergo a backlash.

backlash

/ ˈæˌæʃ /

noun

  1. a reaction or recoil between interacting worn or badly fitting parts in a mechanism
  2. the play between parts
  3. a sudden and adverse reaction, esp to a political or social development

    a public backlash against the government is inevitable

“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of backlash1

First recorded in 1805–15; back 2 + lash 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The public spat between the White House and Amazon underscores the backlash the Trump administration faces over tariffs imposed on various countries including China.

From

Lily Allen has apologised to Katy Perry for "being mean" about her when she joined in the backlash against the recent space flight carrying the US singer.

From

Mark Carney's Liberals are projected to have won Canada's federal election - riding a backlash of anti-Trump sentiment to form the next government.

From

Trump faced a backlash during his first term for a policy that separated thousands of children from their parents.

From

But as the concept has gained steam, it has also spurred backlash.

From

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