backlashing
Reel line snarl
Backlashing is the present participle of backlash, used as a verb meaning to produce or experience a strong adverse reaction.
Most often describes the act of pushing back against social or political change: Conservative groups are backlashing against the new policies.
The noun backlash—a hostile response to progress or reform—remains more common than the verb form.
Unintended negative consequences
- reboundReturn after deflection
- boomerangSelf-returning thrown weapon
- counterreactionResponse opposing initial action
- pushbackResistance to something proposed
resistance · opposition · resentment · outcry · uproar · revolt · rebellion · response
Illegal payment for services
- snapbackSudden return to position
- springbackElastic return to shape
- reboundReturn after deflection
- whipStrikes or aerates
jerk · jolt · slack · tension · mechanical · gear · reel · fishing
Punishing a wrongdoer
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
- reprisalPunitive action in return
counterattack · comeuppance · tit-for-tat · reciprocity · counterstroke · retaliatory · punitive · vindictive
Express sharp disapproval
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
reproach · flak · opprobrium · castigation · vituperation · scolding · chastisement · faultfinding
blowback
Unintended negative consequences
- reboundReturn after deflection
- boomerangSelf-returning thrown weapon
- counterreactionResponse opposing initial action
pushback · resistance · opposition · resentment · outcry · uproar · revolt · rebellion · response · consequence
kickback
Illegal payment for services
- snapbackSudden return to position
- springbackElastic return to shape
- reboundReturn after deflection
whip · jerk · jolt · slack · tension · mechanical · gear · reel · fishing · torque
revenge
Punishing a wrongdoer
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
reprisal · counterattack · comeuppance · tit-for-tat · reciprocity · counterstroke · retaliatory · punitive · vindictive · spiteful
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denunciationFormal public accusation
disapproval · reproach · flak · opprobrium · castigation · vituperation · scolding · chastisement · faultfinding · reprimand
backlashingembracing
Holding warmly, willingly accepting
welcoming · supporting · accepting · endorsing · championing
backlashingforgiving
Inclined to pardon offenses
reconciling · amity · love · making peace · agreement
lash, backlash, lashed, lashing, lashes, backlashes, backlashed