whiplash

[ hwip-lash, wip- ]
/ ˈʰwɪpˌlæʃ, ˈwɪp- /

noun

the lash of a whip.
an abrupt snapping motion or change of direction resembling the lash of a whip.
Also whiplash injury. a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking backward, forward, or both, of the head: Whiplash resulted when their car was struck from behind.
Also called whiplash curve. a connected series of reverse curves of more or less elliptical form, used as a major design motif in the Art Nouveau style.

verb (used with object)

to beat, hit, throw, etc., with or as if with a whiplash.
to affect adversely, as by a sudden change: new taxes whiplashing corporate earnings.

Origin of whiplash

1565–75; 1950–55 for def 6; whip + lash1

Words nearby whiplash

whip-round, whip-tailed, whip-tailed ray, whipbird, whipcord, whiplash, whiplash injury, whipped, whipper-in, whippersnapper, whippet

Example sentences from the Web for whiplash

British Dictionary definitions for whiplash

whiplash
/ (ˈwɪpˌlæʃ) /

noun

a quick lash or stroke of a whip or like that of a whip
med See whiplash injury

Medical definitions for whiplash

whiplash
[ wĭp′lăsh′ ]

n.

Whiplash injury.