backlash

Meaning

Noun

1. A suddenly reversed or backward motion, such as of a rope or elastic band when it snaps under tension.
2. A negative reaction, objection or outcry, especially of a violent or abrupt nature.
3. The looseness through which one part of connected machinery, such as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, or a measurement of the distance moved thereby; either intentional (as allowance) or unintentional (from error or wear).
4. The jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.

Verb

To perform a backlash, to lash back in reaction to some cause.

Synonyms

recoil

rebound

repercussion

backfire

play

riposte

looseness

counteraction

echo

exception

flack

flak

gap

lost motion

opposition

parry

piston

reaction

remonstrance

resistance

reversal

reverse

revolt

ricochet

setback

strike back

wake

whammy

wobble

whitelash

gear backlash

pitch play

tooth space

reversed shooting

back blast

air gap

spinof

blowback

boomerang

🪃

counter

counterblow

counterpunch

disheartenment

dissent

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈbækˌlæʃ/

Etymology

From back + lash.