1. the backward flow of water created by the motion of oars, propellers, or waves
Usage: nautical
2. an undesirable or unintended consequence or aftereffect of an event or action
Usage: figurative

1. creates a backward flow of water or air

Examples

• The boat’s backwashes rocked the smaller vessels nearby.
• Strong backwashes from the ferry made swimming dangerous.
• The scandal created political backwashes that lasted for months.
• Economic backwashes from the crisis affected neighboring countries.
• The propeller backwashes water toward the dock.
• When the jet takes off, it backwashes air across the runway.