pushback

American

[poosh-bak] / ˈpʊʃˌbæk /

noun

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

The regulations got some pushback from farmers.
the forcing of an enemy to withdraw.

Etymology

Origin of pushback

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fieri faced similar pushback in July 2023, when a photo circulated of him greeting Trump ringside at UFC 290 in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

To be sure, there’s pushback from the other side.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Guards communicated via the Viber messaging app, with a coded phrase to signal plans for a pushback: "X persons to the operation by Special Team", according to the testimonies.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

And Republican Justice Richard Dietz testified about criticism and pushback that he received for publishing an opinion piece recommending changes to the state’s legal education rules.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

She listened to the war reports on Radio Biafra more carefully, as if there might be clues about Ugwu in the ebullient voice reporting the pushback of the vandals, the successes of gallant Biafran soldiers.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023