backlash

Meanings

1. 1nounusually singular

   A strong, angry reaction from many people against a decision, a change or something that has happened.

   Grammar: Usually followed by against: a backlash against the law.

   Patterns

   • a backlash against something
   • a backlash from someone

   The new tax caused a backlash among voters.

   There was a public backlash against the company's advertisement.

   The film's director faced a backlash on social media.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   A sudden backward movement or play between parts of a machine that do not fit tightly.

   Grammar: Used mainly in engineering.

   The mechanic noticed backlash in the gears.

   Too much backlash makes the dial feel loose.

   Springs are used to reduce backlash in the mechanism.

Common combinations

public backlash

The decision led to a public backlash.

face a backlash

The brand faced a backlash over its slogan.

provoke a backlash

The policy provoked a fierce backlash.

backlash against

There was a backlash against the new rules.

political backlash

The minister resigned after a political backlash.

Synonyms and how they differ

reaction

Reaction is neutral and can be positive, while backlash is always strongly negative.

outcry

Outcry stresses the loud public protest, whereas backlash can include lasting opposition.

repercussion

Repercussion is a consequence of an action, not necessarily an angry crowd response.

blowback

Blowback often implies unexpected harm that returns to those who acted.

Opposites

Word family

lash verb

to hit or criticize strongly

back adverb

in return or toward where something came from

whiplash noun

a neck injury from a sudden jerk

Commonly confused: backlash or feedback?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “backlash”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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