flak

(noun) a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer. Synonyms: flak catcher, flack catcher, flack.

(noun) intense adverse criticism. Synonyms: fire, attack, flack, blast. Examples: "Clinton directed his fire at the republican party." "The government has come under attack." "Don't give me any flak."

(noun) artillery designed to shoot upward at airplanes. Synonyms: antiaircraft, antiaircraft gun, flack, pom-pom, ack-ack, ack-ack gun.