backfire

American  

[bak-fahy^uhr] / ˈbækˌfaɪər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of backfire

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

Example Sentences

Missing a payment or carrying a balance can also mean racking up steep interest charges that backfire on attempts to game the system.

From The Wall Street Journal

China's approach to urging people to have children also risks backfiring if people feel the government is being "too intrusive" about what is deeply personal choice, she said.

From BBC

If Bondi thought she could quiet the clamor for the Epstein files by releasing only a small percentage of heavily redacted documents, the move backfired.

From Salon

That stunt is also one of TV’s grandest examples of why such ploys can backfire.

From Salon

Instead he argues a "fine balance" is needed between raising awareness and "not falling into the trap of fear-messaging or being overly alarmist, which can backfire".

From BBC

Related Words

• fail
• flop