backlash

IPA/ˈbæklæʃ/
KK[bˈæklˌæʃ]IPA/ˈbæklæʃ/

backlash — noun

  • backlashsingular
  • backlashesplural

1. strong public opposition that appears after a new decision, social change, or pu

1.nounC1
Definition

strong public opposition that appears after a new decision, social change, or public event upsets many people.

Example

The mayor faced a backlash after closing the only night market in town.

backlash after + public decision

Parents organized online after the school cut music classes, and the backlash grew fast.

backlash from + affected group

Common collocations
  • face backlash
  • trigger backlash
  • spark backlash
  • public backlash
  • backlash against
  • backlash from
Synonyms
  • pushback

    often milder and more immediate resistance to a plan or request

  • outcry

    stresses loud public anger, especially in the media

  • blowback

    emphasizes harmful consequences that return to hurt the original actor

Antonyms
  • support

    shows approval instead of resistance

  • acceptance

    focuses on people being willing to allow or welcome the change

Grammar Patterns

backlash against + [change / group / policy]

backlash from + [group]

backlash over + [decision / campaign]

trigger / spark / face backlash

Usage Note

Usually refers to a response from many people, not a private complaint from one person. Common patterns are backlash against something, backlash over something, and backlash from a group.

Common Mistakes

I got backlash from my brother for borrowing his charger.
My brother got angry with me for borrowing his charger.
'backlash' usually describes a strong public or group reaction, not one person's complaint.

2. a quick movement back caused when something is hit, pulled, or forced the other

2.nounC2
Definition

a quick movement back caused when something is hit, pulled, or forced the other way.

Example

The old tractor jerked with a backlash when Sana pulled the starter cord.

backlash when force is applied

A sharp backlash from the drill twisted Quan's wrist during the repair.

backlash from + tool

Common collocations
  • drill backlash
  • cable backlash
  • violent backlash
  • backlash from impact
Synonyms
  • recoil

    common for a backward kick after firing or impact

  • kickback

    often used for sudden backward force from a tool

  • snap-back

    highlights a quick return movement after tension is released

Grammar Patterns

backlash from + [tool / machine / cable]

a backlash when + [force is applied]

cause / reduce backlash

Usage Note

Often used for tools, cables, chains, or other equipment under force. It describes the sudden movement back, not the original forward hit.

Common Mistakes

The hammer gave a backlash when it hit the nail.
The cable gave a backlash when it was pulled too tight.
'backlash' names the movement back after force, not the first strike itself.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words all describe negative reaction, but they point to slightly different patterns. Backlash usually means a broad, forceful response after a change, campaign, or public statement. Pushback is often milder and can come from staff, customers, or officials who resist a plan while it is still being discussed. Outcry stresses loud public anger, especially when newspapers or social media amplify it. Blowback often suggests damage that returns to hurt the person or group that caused the problem. A company may face pushback while testing a rule, but a full backlash after launching it. An outcry fills headlines, while blowback emphasizes the consequences that come back later.

backlash ↗pushbackoutcry ↗blowback

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Backlash is a modern English compound built from back and lash. It first referred to something that snaps or jerks backward after force is applied. From that physical image, English later extended the word to mean a strong public reaction that swings back against a decision, campaign, or social change.