whiplash
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhwɪˌpɫæʃ// UK //wˈɪplæʃ// whiplash
n. a neck injury caused by a sudden, sharp movement of the head. It often happens when a car is hit from behind.
n. an injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, typically resulting from a rear-impact vehicle collision. Often used metaphorically to describe the shock of a sudden change in circumstances.
He suffered from whiplash after the car accident.
The driver wore a neck brace for several weeks to help her recover from severe whiplash.
The sudden shift in government policy gave the markets a sense of whiplash, as investors struggled to adjust their portfolios to the new regulatory landscape.
Univerbation of whip + lash.
Usage
Often appears as the object of 'suffer from' or 'get'.