backfire

[ bak-fahyuhr ]
/ ˈbækˌfaɪər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR backfire ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), back·fired, back·fir·ing.

(of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
to bring a result opposite to that which was planned or expected: The plot backfired.
to start a fire deliberately in order to check a forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area in advance of it.

noun

(in an internal-combustion engine) premature ignition of fuel in the intake manifold.
an explosion coming out of the breech of a firearm.
a fire started intentionally to check the advance of a forest or prairie fire.

Origin of backfire

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; back2 + fire

Words nearby backfire

backer-up, backfall, backfield, backfile, backfill, backfire, backfist, backfit, backflap hinge, backflash, backflip

Words related to backfire

fail, flop, rebound, ricochet, recoil, disappoint, boomerang, miscarry, backlash

Example sentences from the Web for backfire

British Dictionary definitions for backfire

backfire
/ (ˌbækˈfaɪə) /

verb (intr)

(of an internal-combustion engine) to emit a loud noise as a result of an explosion in the inlet manifold or exhaust system
(of an endeavour, plan, etc) to have an unwanted effect on its perpetrator his plans backfired on him
to start a controlled fire in order to halt an advancing forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area

noun

(in an internal-combustion engine)
  1. an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system
  2. a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold
a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire