backwash
/'bækwɔʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The wave or turbulent water that spreads behind a moving boat or ship: The disturbed water created by a vessel's propulsion moving through the water.
- The flow of air driven backward by a rotating propeller or jet engine: The rearward current of air produced by an aircraft's propulsion system.
- The consequences or aftermath of a significant, often disruptive, event: The effects or conditions that follow and are caused by an important occurrence.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The small dinghy was rocked by the backwash from the departing ferry.
- The powerful backwash from the aircraft's engines made it dangerous to stand behind the plane.
- The economic backwash of the factory closure devastated the small town.
Advanced Usage
- "to feel the backwash of": to experience the negative consequences of an event.
- Neighboring countries felt the backwash of the political instability.
Variants and Related Words
- Wake (noun): The track of waves left by a moving ship. Often used similarly to 'backwash' for water, but 'backwash' can specifically imply a turbulent, washing-back motion.
- Aftermath (noun): The consequences or effects of a significant, usually unpleasant, event. A close synonym for the figurative meaning.
Synonyms
- Wake: (for water) The trail of disturbed water.
- Wash: The waves or current created.
- Aftermath: The consequences following an event.
- Repercussions: The indirect or unforeseen consequences of an event.
Related Phrases
- In the backwash of: Occurring as a direct result or in the period following an event.
- Many new regulations were introduced in the backwash of the financial crisis.
Related Idioms
Noun
- the wave that spreads behind a boat as it moves forward
- the motorboat's wake capsized the canoe
- the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
- the aftermath of war
- in the wake of the accident no one knew how many had been injured
- the flow of air that is driven backwards by an aircraft propeller