backlash
n. C / Un. a strong and sudden negative reaction from a large group of people. It usually happens after a new law, a public decision, or a change in society.
n. a strong, adverse, and often sudden reaction by a large number of people to a social or political development. Frequently used in the context of public policy or cultural shifts.
The new tax law caused a huge backlash from voters.
The company faced a severe public backlash after they announced plans to close the local factory.
Historians often observe a conservative backlash following periods of rapid social progress, as segments of the population react against the perceived erosion of traditional values.
From back- + lash.
Often paired with the preposition 'against' to identify the cause of the reaction.