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Definition of blowback

blowback

/ˈbloʊˌbæk/
blow · back
Plural:blowbacks
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blowback Lexical Profile

blowback Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Unintended and adverse results or repercussions of a political, business, or strategic action.

Example

"The executive board underestimated the public blowback that would follow the sudden price hike."

2

The backward escape or surging of gases, smoke, or fluid through an opening or pipe due to pressure.

Example

"A blocked chimney flue can cause a dangerous blowback of smoke into the living room."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for blowback

• Rhymes for blowback

• Nearby Words

blouse
bloviate
blow
blowback
blowdart
blowdry
blowdryer

Word Origin & Etymology

Originally a technical term from the late 19th century describing the backward escape of gases in mechanical systems, the word was adopted by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency in the 1950s to describe the unintended, harmful repercussions of covert foreign operations.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Blowback. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/blowback
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