backdraft

American

[bak-draft, -drahft] / ˈbækˌdræft, -ˌdrɑft /

noun

an explosive surge in a fire produced by the sudden mixing of air with other combustible gases.

Etymology

Origin of backdraft

First recorded in 1815–25; back ² + draft

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jamie Dobie's box-kicks are almost forcing the Warriors backwards as they get caught in the backdraft.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2024

The fire may have been smoldering for some time before anyone noticed, Renaldo said, and is believed to have sparked an explosive backdraft that knocked firefighters who were outside the building off their feet.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 2, 2023

The central bank has remained cautious, hoping to avoid any backdraft from the U.S.

From Reuters • Oct. 15, 2021

It’s unclear what caused the sudden explosion, though a backdraft and a ruptured gas main were both raised as possibilities.

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2018

And that was Natalie Tysdal’s Wednesday morning, spent on all fours vomiting in front of the Denver metro area as a simple chip tore through her insides like a backdraft.

From Golf Digest • Oct. 26, 2017

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023