backfire

[bak-fahy^uhr]

verb (used without object)

backfired, backfiring 

1. (of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.

2. to bring a result opposite to that which was planned or expected.

   The plot backfired.

   Synonyms: bomb, flop, boomerang, miscarry

3. to start a fire deliberately in order to check a forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area in advance of it.

noun

1. (in an internal-combustion engine) premature ignition of fuel in the intake manifold.

2. an explosion coming out of the breech of a firearm.

3. a fire started intentionally to check the advance of a forest or prairie fire.

backfire

/ ˌbækˈfaɪə /

verb

1. (of an internal-combustion engine) to emit a loud noise as a result of an explosion in the inlet manifold or exhaust system

2. (of an endeavour, plan, etc) to have an unwanted effect on its perpetrator

   his plans backfired on him

3. to start a controlled fire in order to halt an advancing forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area

noun

1. 1. an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system

   2. a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold

2. a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of backfire¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; back ² + fire

Example Sentences

That plan, of course, almost backfired in disastrous fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dutchman's golden touch with his decision-making deserted him here in Istanbul, the choice to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench backfiring.

From BBC

The president’s overt use of the Justice Department as a partisan tool threatens a new era of political persecutions that could well backfire on his own allies.

From Los Angeles Times

"Instead he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now."

From BBC

Flashy diplomatic overtures to Moscow appeared to be backfiring.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fail 
• flop