Word
whiplash
US/ˈhwɪˌpɫæʃ/
UK/wˈɪplæʃ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“He suffered from whiplash after the car accident.”
contextual
“The driver wore a neck brace for several weeks to help her recover from severe whiplash.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Often appears as the object of 'suffer from' or 'get'.
Real-World Examples
“While the rainfall will be welcome, it is possible the UK could experience another round of "weather whiplash" where the pattern moves from one extreme to another.” Etymology
Univerbation of whip + lash.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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