What does backlash mean?
Word: Backlash
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Backlash means a strong, angry reaction from many people against something that has been said, done or decided.
Synonyms: protest, opposition
Antonyms: approval, support
How do you spell backlash?
Syllables: back - lash
Tricky part: The word ends in sh, not ch, and nothing follows the h: students sometimes write backlach or backlashe.
Watch out for: backlach, bacclash, backlashe
Memory tip: A backlash hits back like a wave crashing on rocks: it ends with the same sh as splash and crash.
Backlash in a sentence
Example 1: The plan to cut the lunch break caused a backlash from students.
Example 2: After the backlash on social media, the brand pulled its advert.
Example 3: The minister faced a backlash when bus fares went up overnight.
Fun Fact
Engineers also use backlash for the small gap between the teeth of two gears, which lets one gear move a little before it turns the other.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word: backlash
a) reward
b) applause
c) agreement
d) outcry
Show answer
d) outcry. An outcry, like a backlash, is a loud public protest.
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) protest
b) outburst
c) uproar
d) backlesh
Show answer
d) backlesh. The second part is lash, with an a.
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
lkcahsab
a) backlash
b) backslash
c) cashback
d) blackish
Show answer
a) backlash. Backslash is the trap here: it has one s too many.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
The new parking fee caused such a baclash that the mall dropped it within a week.
a) parking
b) within
c) dropped
d) baclash
Show answer
d) baclash. Back keeps its k before lash.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The company faced a backlash over its new prices. What does this tell you?
a) Customers had not noticed them yet
b) Most customers were pleased with them
c) The prices had been printed wrongly
d) Many customers were angry about them
Show answer
d) Many customers were angry about them
2. What is most likely to cause a backlash from parents?
a) an extra holiday in summer
b) a new park opening in town
c) free books for every pupil
d) a sudden rise in school fees
Show answer
d) a sudden rise in school fees
