pushback

[ poosh-bak ]

noun

1. a mechanism that forces an object backward.
2. opposition or resistance to a plan, action, statement, etc.:

   The regulations got some pushback from farmers.

3. the forcing of an enemy to withdraw.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pushback¹

First recorded in 1940–45; push ( def ) + back ²( def )

Example Sentences

One such early example is HR 9495, a bill that, through seemingly innocuous language, could very well be used to make things difficult to impossible for nonprofits and their actions, like organizing and advocating—work that is both an important part of a functioning liberal democracy and, sometimes, a crucial pushback on power.

From Slate

But it’s faced pushback as well, including rejection from a county supervisor who represents areas being floated for protection.

From Los Angeles Times

City officials had considered allowing changes in these neighborhoods, which are the city’s wealthiest and least integrated, but reversed course after pushback from homeowner groups who protested the potential for traffic and parking problems.

From Los Angeles Times

Other Trump plans, like tariffs, may cause such extreme consequences for consumers and businesses that public pushback spreads beyond progressive activists and into less-political communities.

From Slate

“I think it’s f**king hilarious. Hilarious to watch the swamp struggle with the existential crisis that’s been shoved in their faces by the American people,” Santos said, chalking up the pushback to sour grapes.

From Salon