# whiplash

/ˈhwɪˌpɫæʃ/ (US) · /wˈɪplæʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whiplash
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a neck injury caused by a sudden, sharp movement of the head. It often happens when a car is hit from behind.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often appears as the object of 'suffer from' or 'get'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.