backlash
gb/bˈæklˌæʃ/ us/bˈæklˌæʃ/
B2
English
ellenreakció, holtjáték, zsinórgubanc, szakáll
NOUN
B2
1
ellenreakció
B2
Usage pattern:
a backlash against/to/over [something]; backlash from [a group]; face/spark/provoke a backlash
The company faced a backlash after changing its privacy policy.
A vállalat heves ellenreakcióval szembesült, miután megváltoztatta az adatvédelmi szabályzatát.
The proposal sparked a backlash from parents and teachers.
A javaslat ellenreakciót váltott ki a szülők és a tanárok körében.
There was a growing backlash against the use of facial-recognition technology.
Learner examples
The ad caused a backlash online.
A hirdetés online ellenreakciót váltott ki.
The new rule faced a strong backlash.
Az új szabály erős ellenreakciót váltott ki.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse backlash with backslash, a character used in computing. Backlash is often used with against, to, or over, not usually with for.
Meaning
strong negative public reaction
Collocations
public backlash
|political backlash
|online backlash
|fierce backlash
|consumer backlash
|growing backlash
|a backlash against the decision
|a backlash over the policy
|face a backlash
|spark a backlash
Synonyms
pushback (often slightly less formal and sometimes milder)
|
outcry (emphasizes loud public protest or anger)
|
opposition (broader and less necessarily emotional)
|
reaction (broader; not always negative without context)
Antonyms
support (positive backing rather than negative reaction)
|
approval (acceptance or praise rather than criticism)
|
acceptance (willingness to allow or agree with something)
Themes
society
|politics
|media
|business
|public_opinion
Definition
strong criticism, anger, or opposition from many people after something happens or is announced
a strong negative reaction, especially from the public or a group of people, against a decision, event, social change, or public statement
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
2
holtjáték
C1
Usage pattern:
backlash in/between [parts]; reduce/adjust/eliminate backlash
The technician adjusted the gear mesh to reduce backlash.
A technikus a fogaskerekek kapcsolódását állította be, hogy csökkentse a holtjátékot.
Too much backlash in the steering made the car feel vague.
A kormánymű túl nagy holtjátéka miatt az autó pontatlannak érződött.
The CNC machine uses software to compensate for backlash.
Learner examples
The old gears have too much backlash.
A régi fogaskerekekben túl nagy a holtjáték.
Common mistake:
This technical sense is about machines; it does not mean public criticism.
Meaning
slack in a mechanism
Collocations
gear backlash
|mechanical backlash
|steering backlash
|excessive backlash
|backlash compensation
|measure backlash
|reduce backlash
|eliminate backlash
|adjust the backlash
|backlash in the gears
Synonyms
play (technical word for looseness between mechanical parts)
|
slack (emphasizes looseness or lack of tension)
|
lost motion (more technical; movement that does not produce the intended output)
Antonyms
tight engagement (parts fit closely without unwanted looseness)
|
zero backlash (a condition with no measurable lost motion)
Themes
engineering
|machines
|technology
|manufacturing
Definition
looseness between machine parts that makes movement less exact
unwanted slack or lost motion between parts of a machine, especially gears, that can cause a delay or jerk when motion or force reverses
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
3
zsinórgubanc
C1
szakáll
C1
Usage pattern:
backlash in/on [a reel]; get/clear/prevent backlash
Beginners often get backlash when they cast a baitcaster into the wind.
A kezdőknek szélben, multiplikátoros orsóval dobva gyakran zsinórgubancuk lesz.
He spent ten minutes picking backlash out of the reel.
Tíz percet töltött azzal, hogy kibogozza a zsinórgubancot az orsóból.
Adjusting the brake can help prevent backlash on a baitcasting reel.
Learner examples
My fishing reel got a backlash.
Zsinórgubanc lett a horgászorsómon.
Common mistake:
This is fishing jargon; in general English, backlash usually means a strong negative reaction.
Meaning
fishing reel line tangle
Collocations
reel backlash
|baitcaster backlash
|spool backlash
|line backlash
|casting backlash
|prevent backlash
|clear a backlash
|pick out backlash
Synonyms
bird's nest (informal fishing term for the same kind of tangled line)
|
line tangle (more general and easier to understand)
Themes
fishing
|sports
|hobbies
|equipment
Definition
a messy tangle of fishing line in a reel
a tangle of fishing line caused when a reel spool spins faster than the line leaves it, especially on a baitcasting reel
Grammar
Dictionary form
backlash
IPA
GB/bˈæklˌæʃ/
US/bˈæklˌæʃ/
Syllables & stress
back - lash (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (back)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: backlash
- Plural: backlashes
Expressions
face a backlash
1/fˈeɪs ə bˈæklˌæʃ/
fixed phrase
receive strong public criticism
to be strongly criticized by many people
Examples
- The mayor faced a backlash over the new parking fees.
- The singer faced a backlash after comments she made in an interview.
- Several brands faced a backlash for using misleading environmental claims.
Learner examples
- The company faced a backlash online.
- He faced a backlash after his speech.
spark a backlash
1/spˈɑɹk ə bˈæklˌæʃ/
fixed phrase
cause strong public criticism
to make many people react angrily or critically
Examples
- The price increase sparked a backlash from customers.
- Her remarks sparked a backlash on social media.
- The new law could spark a backlash among small business owners.
Learner examples
- The new rule sparked a backlash.
- The video sparked a backlash online.
white backlash
1/wˈaɪt bˈæklˌæʃ/
fixed phrase
white resistance to racial change
anger or opposition from some white people toward changes meant to support racial equality
Examples
- Analysts described the election results as partly driven by white backlash.
- The reforms were followed by white backlash in some communities.
- The article examined white backlash against school desegregation.
Learner examples
- The book discusses white backlash in American politics.