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backdraft

backdraft

7.4
A strong negative public reaction that follows an action or policy
  • noun
  • /ˈbækdræft/
  • Literature
translation icon : reacción negativa
  • After the controversial decision, the committee faced an unexpected backdraft from the public.

Examples

  • The new tax law caused a significant backdraft from business owners across the city.

  • Implementing the policy without consultation led to a political backdraft that surprised the officials.

  • There was a strong backdraft after the announcement.

  • The new policy faced a severe backdraft from the community.

  • The new tax law caused a significant backdraft from business owners across the city.

  • After the controversial decision, the committee faced an unexpected backdraft from the public.

  • Implementing the policy without consultation led to a political backdraft that surprised the officials.

Synonyms

reaction
vsbackdraft
141 5.8

Strong opposition to social or political change that defends older ideas

is specifically a strong negative result caused by an action or policy
pushback
vsbackdraft
43 5.9

A negative reaction from people to a plan or change

is stronger and more clearly hostile rather than measured resistance
blowback
vsbackdraft
  • Literature
18 6.8

A strong negative reaction from people after an action or decision

is a strong negative reaction as a result not necessarily unexpected
backfire
vsbackdraft
1 6.2

An action or plan that produces an unwanted result often making things worse

is about a public negative reaction rather than an unintended effect on the maker
virulent backlash
vsbackdraft
  • Literature
8.1

A very strong angry reaction by many people against someone or something

is a strong negative response that is less hostile or widespread
heavy backlash
vsbackdraft
4.2

A strong negative reaction from many people after a decision or action

is a strong negative result but not always widespread or public

Antonyms

1.0

Give help to a person or idea

How Severe

uproar
47 3.9
backdraft
  • Literature
7.4
outcry
52 4.6
criticism
512 3.0
complaint
564 1.4

Surface Forms

backdraft singular
backdrafts plural

Morphology

backdraft = back + draft (semi-transparent) = back + draft

The figurative sense ('a backlash' or negative reaction) is a metaphorical extension of 'back' + 'draft' and is not fully literal for learners.

Etymology

Backdraft is also used for a strong negative reaction to an action or decision, keeping the image of back plus draft (a 'current of air') in mind. So a political or social backdraft is like a powerful 'backlash' that comes back and harms those who caused the action.