back ‧ lash /ˈbæklæʃ/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
a strong negative reaction by a number of people against recent events, especially against political or social developments
backlash against
The 1970s saw the first backlash against the women’s movement.
backlash from
The management fear a backlash from fans over the team’s poor performances.
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THESAURUS
▪ reaction someone’s feelings, and how they behave, because of something that has happened or been said:
I was stunned by the news, and my initial reaction was anger.
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What was her reaction, when you told her that you were leaving?
▪ response what you say or do when someone says or does something to you:
The government’s immediate response was to reject the proposal.
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The decision was made in response to requests from local residents.
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We are still waiting to see if there is any response.
▪ reception a particular type of reaction to someone’s ideas, work etc – used especially in the following phrases:
The plan received warm reception from conference delegates (=they liked it) .
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The film received a mixed reception and commercially it was not successful (=many people did not like it) .
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The Association of Chief Police Officers gave the idea a cool reception (=they did not like it very much) .
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Alford’s views met with a hostile reception (=people were very disapproving) .
▪ feedback advice, criticism, praise etc that you give to someone, telling them how well they are working:
Our English teacher gave us some feedback on our essays.
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The feedback we have had from our customers has all been positive.
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negative feedback
▪ backlash an angry or violent reaction by a group of people to the actions or decisions of others:
There has been a growing backlash against the government from angry voters.
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fears of a right-wing backlash