whiplash — injury to the neck caused by sudden jerky movement of the head, especially in car accidents
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: injury to the neck caused by sudden jerky movement of the head, especially in car accidents
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɪplæʃ/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother claims she got whiplash from nodding too enthusiastically at the K-pop concert.
- The news gave me emotional whiplash - first good news, then terrible news in five minutes.
- His neck whiplashed as he tried to watch three tennis matches simultaneously on different courts.
whiplash
NOUN[/ˈwɪplæʃ/]
injury to the neck caused by sudden jerky movement of the head, especially in car accidents
A sudden rear-end crash gives the driver painful whiplash in her neck.
The clash brings whiplash, and whiplash brings backlash
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Whiplash is a compound English word formed from 'whip' and 'lash,' originating in the 19th century. The term was coined to describe a sudden neck injury resembling the rapid, snapping motion of a whip being wielded quickly through the air.
Breakdown
whip (a long flexible rod or cord used for striking) + lash (to strike or hit forcefully). The compound refers to both the whipping motion itself and the resulting injury from sudden neck flexion-extension.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother claims she got whiplash from nodding too enthusiastically at the K-pop concert.”
“The news gave me emotional whiplash - first good news, then terrible news in five minutes.”
“His neck whiplashed as he tried to watch three tennis matches simultaneously on different courts.”
“The insurance company required medical documentation for her whiplash claim.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.