Backlash

Definitions

1. A suddenly reversed or backward motion, such as of a rope or elastic band when it snaps under tension.
   countable, uncountable
2. A negative reaction, objection or outcry, especially of a violent or abrupt nature.
   countable, figuratively, uncountable
3. The looseness through which one part of connected machinery, such as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, or a measurement of the distance moved thereby; either intentional (as allowance) or unintentional (from error or wear).
   countable, uncountable
4. The jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.
   countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“The public backlash to the proposal was quick and insistent.”

“... the word "backlash" is used in the extended sense⟳ in which it is understood in Lancashire and Yorkshire , including not only backlash proper , but also break⟳ of contact⟳ between the working faces of the teeth of the two wheels when the driven wheel overruns the driver without actual backlash . To place⟳ rope or belt drums of any considerable size upon shafts driven by spur gearing is nearly always dangerous.”

“In ...breakages from high speed⟳ and irregular pitch, ten out of the eleven wheels had spur segments moulded from patterns, instead of by machinery; and in three of the ten the teeth were cast⟳ upon the felks, and were twisted and drawn, as they generally are when cast⟳ in this way, by the contraction of the mass of metal of which they form⟳ a part. In every instance the speed⟳ was high, and in several cases there was more or less backlash or over-running.”

CEFR level