backfire
verb (used without object)
(of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
had backfired
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past perfectof backfire.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Sources agreed the desperate lobbying effort had backfired on Capitol Hill.
From BBC ● Mar. 8, 2024
We looked toward the street, where an engine had backfired loudly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2023
He also made no reference to the fact that an energy-saving measure by the government had backfired.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 24, 2023
He made no reference to the fact that an energy-saving measure by the government had backfired.
From Washington Times ● Jan. 24, 2023
My attempt at creating a Wes Moore legend had backfired.
From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore
