backlash

A suddenly reversed or backward motion, such as of a rope or elastic band when it snaps under tension.countableuncountable

A negative reaction, objection or outcry, especially of a violent or abrupt nature.countablefigurativelyuncountable

• The public backlash to the proposal was quick and insistent.

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).countableuncountable

• ... 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 d

The jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.countableuncountable

• 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 t

To perform a backlash, to lash back in reaction to some cause.

• May 2, 1922, locomotive 2469 , Hornell, N. Y. Screw reverse gear backlashed due to latch spring too weak to hold it in place ; 1 injured
• I have the faculty of getting more backlashed in less casts with more kinds of guaranteed anti-backlash reels than any man who reads this sad confession. I am letter-perfect at it. Yet I do sometimes catch fish.