whiplash

[ hwip-lash, wip- ]

noun

1. the lash of a whip.
2. an abrupt snapping motion or change of direction resembling the lash of a whip.
3. Also whiplash injury. a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking backward, forward, or both, of the head:

   Whiplash resulted when their car was struck from behind.

4. Also called whiplash curve. a connected series of reverse curves of more or less elliptical form, used as a major design motif in the Art Nouveau style.

verb (used with object)

1. to beat, hit, throw, etc., with or as if with a whiplash.
2. to affect adversely, as by a sudden change:

   new taxes whiplashing corporate earnings.

whiplash

/ ˈwɪpˌlæʃ /

noun

1. a quick lash or stroke of a whip or like that of a whip
2. med See whiplash injury

Word History and Origins

Origin of whiplash¹

First recorded in 1565–75; 1950–55 whiplash fordef 6; whip + lash ¹

Example Sentences

The whiplash is off the charts.

From Slate

He notes that recent research suggests that the Northeast may continue to see more persistent weather systems—dry and wet—and thus more “weather whiplash.”

From Slate

"Well, I'm 47 years old, it hasn't happened overnight, you know. So it's not like I'm getting whiplash," she laughs.

From BBC

Mr Evans was uninjured, apart from whiplash.

From BBC

If we allow it to, this law could nurture a genuinely resilient landscape capable of thriving in an era of climate whiplash.

From Los Angeles Times