- back|lash
- back|lash «BAK LASH», noun, verb.–n.1. a jarring reaction, striking back, or backward movement in a machine or mechanical device.2. the movement or play between worn or badly fitting parts.3. a tangle in the portion of a fishing line still on the reel, caused when the spool continues to unwind line that is not payed out after the lure.4. Figurative. a) a sudden, adverse reaction usually caused by fear or anger: »
His insulting remarks finally brought a sharp backlash of anger from his patient helper.
b) a reaction of antagonism by one group to the pressure exerted by another group or movement, such as white backlash to the black civil-rights movement.–v.t.to produce a backlash; backfire.–back´lash´er, noun.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.