backlash
|back/lash|
/ˈbækˌlæʃ/
strong reaction
Etymology
'backlash' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'lash', where 'back' meant 'reverse' and 'lash' meant 'a sudden movement'.
'backlash' changed from the Old English word 'læscian' meaning 'to loosen' and eventually became the modern English word 'backlash'.
Initially, it meant 'a sudden movement backward', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a strong adverse reaction'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development.
The new policy caused a significant backlash from the public.
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Noun 2
a sudden, forceful backward movement or recoil.
The machine's backlash was unexpected and dangerous.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40