backlashes
/ˈbækˌlæʃɪz/
NOUN
1. Strong negative reactions or opposition
Sudden, strong, and often widespread negative reactions to an action, decision, statement, policy, or event, typically involving criticism, disapproval, or protest.
1.1. Public criticism and disapproval
Refers to widespread negative responses from the public, customers, employees, or communities toward something considered controversial, offensive, or unacceptable.
Synonyms
- reactions
- counter-reactions
- counterresponses
- outcries
- uproars
- protests
- objections
- revulsions
Examples
- The company faced several backlashes after announcing the controversial price increase.
- The celebrity's comments triggered widespread backlashes across social media.
- The proposed changes generated strong backlashes from local communities.
Related Words
- criticism
- condemnation
- disapproval
- resentment
- controversy
- public opinion
- dissatisfaction
1.2. Political and social resistance
Refers to strong opposition or counter-reactions against political decisions, government policies, social reforms, or cultural changes.
Synonyms
- counteractions
- counter-reactions
- counterreactions
- counter-responses
- opposition
- resistance
- protests
Examples
- The government encountered several political backlashes after introducing the new regulations.
- The proposed reforms provoked backlashes from groups opposed to the changes.
- The movement experienced repeated social backlashes as it challenged established traditions.
Related Words
- political dissent
- activism
- demonstrations
- civil disobedience
- social unrest
- public protest
- policy reform
1.3. Retaliatory or counteracting responses
Refers to reactions that counteract an earlier action or produce unfavorable consequences for the person or organization responsible.
Synonyms
Examples
- The aggressive campaign produced unexpected backlashes against the organization.
- Attempts to silence criticism resulted in further backlashes.
- The company's actions triggered several counter-reactions from its competitors.
Related Words
- retaliation
- reprisal
- counterattack
- repercussion
- blowback
- boomerang
- consequence
NOUN
2. Sudden backward movements or mechanical recoil
Abrupt backward movements or jolts caused by a reversal of motion, the release of force, or irregular movement in a mechanical system.
2.1. Mechanical recoil and reverse movement
Refers to sudden backward movements or jolts in machinery caused by changes in motion, tension, or mechanical force.
Synonyms
Examples
- The machine produced several sudden backlashes when its mechanism reversed direction.
- The operator was warned about unexpected mechanical backlashes during operation.
Related Words
NOUN
3. Mechanical looseness between connected components
The amount of free movement between connected mechanical parts before movement in one component causes movement in another, usually because of looseness, wear, or imperfect fitting.
3.1. Gear play and mechanical clearance
Refers to unwanted free movement between connected gears, screws, or other machine components that reduces positioning accuracy or causes delayed movement.
Synonyms
- clearances
- free play
- mechanical play
- looseness
Examples
- Excessive backlashes in the gears reduced the machine's positioning accuracy.
- The technician adjusted the transmission to minimize backlashes between the connected components.
Related Words
- gear teeth
- transmission
- tolerance
- friction
- mechanical wear
- fitting
VERB
4. To cause or trigger a negative reaction
To cause or set off a strong negative reaction, objection, or counterresponse.
4.1. Provoking opposition or criticism
Describes causing a negative response, public criticism, or opposition through an action, decision, statement, or policy.
Synonyms
Examples
- The controversial policies backlash against the administration by provoking widespread criticism.
- The company's decision backlashes when customers respond with organized protests.
Related Words
- controversy
- public outcry
- opposition
- resentment
- disapproval
- protest