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

The retail chains warn that the restrictions could backfire.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In that case, Fed efforts to control the long end of the yield curve could backfire.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Based on what’s happening in the black market for oil, the White House’s new import levy on India is backfiring.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• fail 
• flop