Definition

1. 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

1. the wave that spreads behind a boat as it moves forward
   • the motorboat's wake capsized the canoe
2. 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
3. the flow of air that is driven backwards by an aircraft propeller