backlash

IPA

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

Dictionary definition of backlash

A reaction or response that is negative, hostile, or opposed to a particular action, decision, or development.
"The new policy caused a major backlash among employees."

Detailed meaning of backlash

It is often used to describe a situation in which a particular group or individual experiences a negative response from others in response to their actions, beliefs, or opinions. For example, a politician who takes a controversial stance on a particular issue may face a backlash from the public or from members of the media. In a broader sense, backlash can also refer to any situation in which a change or action is met with resistance or criticism, such as a company facing a backlash from its customers over a change in policy or a new product. Ultimately, backlash is a form of pushback or negative feedback, and can serve as a way for people to voice their dissatisfaction with a particular situation or development.

Example sentences containing backlash

1. The celebrity faced a fierce backlash over their controversial statements.
2. The company was forced to reconsider its decision after a significant public backlash.
3. The politician's stance on the issue led to a major backlash from their constituents.
4. The announcement of the merger was met with a strong backlash from shareholders.
5. The change in the company's policy faced a backlash from customers.
6. The actor faced backlash from fans after their latest performance.

History and etymology of backlash

The noun 'backlash' derives its etymology from the Middle English word 'baklash,' which combines 'bak' meaning 'back' and 'lashen' meaning 'to strike with a whip' or 'to beat.' This term originally referred to the recoil of a whip when it struck a surface, causing it to snap back. Over time, the word 'backlash' evolved to metaphorically represent a forceful and negative reaction or response that occurs in opposition to a particular action, decision, or development, much like the snapback of a whip when it strikes a surface.

Quiz: Find the meaning of backlash

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Further usage examples of backlash

1. The CEO's decision to cut jobs resulted in a strong backlash from the workforce.
2. The proposal to increase taxes faced a widespread backlash from the community.
3. The singer faced backlash from fans over their controversial lyrics.
4. The company received a backlash from environmental groups over their new project.
5. The government's decision to cut funding for education faced a strong backlash from educators.
6. The decision to raise prices resulted in a customer backlash.
7. The policy change was met with a fierce backlash from employees.
8. The celebrity's controversial statement triggered a social media backlash.
9. The government's new law led to a public backlash.
10. The company faced a backlash over environmental concerns.
11. The controversial art exhibit sparked a cultural backlash.
12. The athlete's endorsement deal generated a backlash from fans.
13. The backlash against the political candidate grew stronger.
14. The school's decision to cut funding caused a parent backlash.
15. The backlash against the controversial film led to protests.
16. The proposed legislation encountered a significant backlash.
17. The new product launch received a mixed consumer backlash.
18. The fashion brand faced a backlash for insensitive advertising.
19. The celebrity's remarks sparked a backlash from advocacy groups.
20. The corporate merger resulted in a shareholder backlash.
21. The scientist's groundbreaking research faced a backlash from peers.
22. The tech company's data breach caused a public backlash.
23. The artist's provocative work often incited a backlash.
24. The policy aimed at reducing benefits led to a union backlash.
25. The backlash against the city's development plans grew louder.