backlash
n. · v.-
1 social/political reaction (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea strong, negative reaction by a large group of people against something that has happened.
a sudden and strong adverse reaction by a significant segment of the public to a social or political development.
ExampleThe government faced a huge backlash from voters after they decided to raise taxes.
ExampleThe fashion brand experienced a severe public backlash after their latest advertising campaign was accused of being culturally insensitive.
UsageOften used with the prepositions 'against' or 'from'.
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2 mechanical play (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencethe small amount of movement or looseness between parts of a machine that are connected.
the clearance or 'play' between mating components in a mechanical system, such as gears, which results in a delay or lost motion.
ExampleThe old steering wheel had too much backlash, making the car hard to control.
ExamplePrecision engineering requires the minimisation of backlash within the gear assembly to ensure accurate positioning in robotic arms.
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3 to react strongly (v.) C2 Proficiency Formalto react in a sudden and angry way to something.
to manifest a strong, sudden, and adverse reaction to a specific cause or event.
ExampleThe community began to backlash against the new construction project in the park.
ExampleMarket forces may backlash if the central bank implements such aggressive interest rate hikes without sufficient warning.
From back- + lash.