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

But leaning too heavily on T-bills can backfire if short-term rates would have to rise materially.

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But leaning too heavily on T-bills can backfire if short-term rates would have to rise materially.

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While AI can yield realistic videos cheaply, they also have the potential to backfire, causing voters to question other information shared by a candidate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, such a strategy carries tremendous risks and could potentially backfire if troops rally around the flag and put up a fight.

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Many 60/40 investors are still smarting from a terrible experience in 2022, when the funds’ slow-and-steady strategy appeared to backfire.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• fail 
• flop