Past tense of backlash; experienced or caused a sudden violent backward movement or reaction, especially a negative public response to something.
From 'backlash,' which combines 'back' and 'lash' (to strike). Originally a mechanical term, it acquired figurative meaning for social reactions by the early 20th century.
Companies that backlashed against social media criticism learned too late that you can't unsay things—the internet's memory is longer than any corporation's PR strategy.
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