noun
blowback
BLOH-bak
noun
1
An unintended and often damaging consequence, especially of a covert or political action.
"The policy caused serious blowback among voters."
"Analysts warned of blowback from the sanctions."
2
A firearm mechanism in which pressure from firing pushes the mechanism backward to reload the next round.
"The pistol uses a simple blowback action."
How to Use Blowback
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn unwanted consequence that comes back to hurt whoever caused it.
Common pairings
political blowback
face blowback
Word Forms
blowbacks plural
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The policy caused serious _____ among voters.
Etymology
Formed from "blow" and "back," originally a mechanical term before being adopted for political fallout.