n.
Pronunciation: ' bak- ˌ lash
Function: noun
Date: 1815
1 a : a sudden violent backward movement or reaction b : the play between adjacent movable parts (as in a series of gears) also : the jar caused by this when the parts are put into action
2 : a snarl in that part of a fishing line wound on the reel
3 : a strong adverse reaction (as to a recent political or social development)
– back · lash · er noun