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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

backlash

Noun

IPA /ˈbæklæʃ/

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Meaning in plain English

A strong negative response from many people to a change, decision or action.

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Pronunciation

backlash/ˈbæklæʃ/

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  1. A new rule is introduced

  2. People react with strong opposition

A backlash is a strong negative reaction to a change or action.

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  1. The café faced a backlash after removing its popular breakfast menu.
  2. The proposed timetable change triggered a backlash among staff.

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The café faced a ________ after removing its popular breakfast menu.
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backlash — A strong negative response from many people to a change, decision or action.

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A strong negative response from many people to a change, decision or action.

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Word origin

Formed from back and lash; it first described a reaction in machinery before gaining its figurative sense.

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Face a backlash and trigger a backlash are useful combinations.

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backlash

/ˈbæklæʃ/ (Noun)

“A backlash usually involves wider opposition, not just one person's mild disagreement.”

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