PoliticsAugust 19, 2026
blowback
BLOH-bak
Definition
Unintended, negative, or harmful consequences resulting from a specific action or political move.
Etymology
Originating in the mid-20th century, the term comes from the field of aerodynamics to describe the reverse flow of air or gas. It was later adopted by the CIA to describe the unforeseen, adverse consequences of covert foreign operations.
In the news
Fedorov's call for an election caused immediate negative repercussions among his peers and critics, referred to in the article as blowback.
Zelenskyy’s rival Fedorov overplays his hand with election push
Read the full article ↗POLITICO.eu