backlash

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: recoilrepercussionreboundbackfire

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. a movement back from an impactSynonyms: recoilrepercussionrebound
  2. an adverse reaction to some political or social occurrence“there was a backlash of intolerance”

Verb (1)

  1. come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect“Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble”Synonyms: backfirerecoil
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Backlash \Back"lash`\ (b[a^]k"l[a^]sh`), n. [Back, adv. + lash.]

1.(Mech.) The distance through which one part of connected machinery, as a wheel, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, resulting from looseness in fitting or from wear; also, the jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion. [1913 Webster]

2.A strong and sudden reverse movement in a moving part of a machine. [PJC]

3.A strong popular reaction serving to counter the effect of an action; -- used especially of adverse reactions to social or political developments. [PJC]

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