backfire
verb (used without object)
(of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
backfired
-
past participleof backfire.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof backfire.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
backfireverb (used without object)(of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
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.
Coach Sean McVay’s strategy of arriving the day before the game backfired and resulted in a dull performance by a team that features some of the biggest stars in the NFL.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
But history also provides examples of companies for whom courting less-creditworthy customers backfired spectacularly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026
But a police crackdown on crowds marching towards parliament on July 20 backfired, galvanising support for the movement and transforming anger over exam leaks into a broader expression of youth frustration.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
The chain has experienced other problems as well, including remodels that backfired, agitation among activist investors and same-store sales that have wobbled over Masino’s three-year tenure.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026
He made sure we were dressed up, though sometimes it backfired.
From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram
