51Թ

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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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51Թ 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 experience of Tesla's sale slump and Canada's backlash against US goods may prove contagious.

From

Brand faced career backlash in 2023 after four people, including a woman who was 16 at the time of the alleged assault, spoke out about alleged misconduct.

From

The White House faced a backlash after a journalist was inadvertently added to a group chat - where specific details of strikes were discussed - on the commercial app.

From

“We may be in a moment of backlash and reaction right now, but that doesn't mean that there isn't hope in terms of fighting against that,” Sinha told Salon.

From

But that risks a new backlash by the Trump administration.

From

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