Backlash
/ˈbæklæʃ/
nounIntermediateCommonScience
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
A strong adverse reaction to a social or political situation or event.
/ˈbæklæʃ/
nounnegativeIntermediate
Science
A strong negative reaction to something.
The government's policy change triggered a violent backlash.
💡 Simply: A strong negative response.
More Examples
2
The company faced a backlash from consumers after the product recall.
How It's Used
Politics
"The new law faced a strong backlash from the public."
Social Issues
"The controversial decision resulted in a significant backlash on social media."
From "back" + "lash." Originally referring to the recoil of a mechanism, it later developed to describe a strong negative reaction.
While the word's mechanical origin is older, its widespread figurative use gained traction in the 20th century, particularly reflecting public reactions to social and political events.
Memory tip
Think of a whip's lash snapping back – that's the force of a backlash.
Practice
back lashbaklashbacklaash
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written