The phrase "generate a backlash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential negative reactions or responses that may arise from a particular action, decision, or statement.
Example: "The company's decision to cut employee benefits is likely to generate a backlash from the workforce."
Alternatives: "spark a backlash" or "trigger a backlash."
If he pushes too hard in Camden, he could generate a backlash from his own party.
But the more aggressive approach could also generate a backlash against individual artists and the music industry.
Leading film-makers are courting controversy with plans for adaptations of provocative books about Jesus Christ that are likely to generate a backlash from traditional Christians.
But if the Democrats try to undercut Mr. Bush's authority by continuing over a long period to question his right to be president, they could easily generate a backlash.
Labour's announcements will generate a backlash from vested interests – notably those who, from a variety of perspectives, are anxious to see another house-price bubble and don't want it pricked by increased supply.
Several former intelligence officials also said there was great concern that the tapes, which recorded hours of grueling interrogations, could have set off controversies about the legality of the interrogations and generate a backlash in the Middle East.
And like most instant pop icons, it has generated a backlash.
Bharara's outspokenness generated a backlash, notably from some judges in the Southern District.
The conservatism of the Lochner era at the Supreme Court, and in the broader political world, generated a backlash.
The popularity of push presents has generated a backlash among some couples, who decry the implicit materialism.
The photograph predictably generated a backlash in particular quarters of black America, most sharply against Howard University's President Wayne Frederick.
