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  1. Dictionary
    backfire

    verb

    • 1. (of a vehicle or its engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust: "a car backfired in the road and shoppers ducked instinctively" Similar misfire
    • 2. (of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what was intended: "overzealous publicity backfired on her" Similar reboundboomerangcome backhave an adverse effect

    noun

    • 1. a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust of a vehicle or engine: "once the engine is running smoothly, a backfire can be dramatic"
    • 2. a fire started deliberately to stop the progress of an approaching fire by creating a burned area in its path. North American

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  2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishBACKFIRE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

    Learn the meaning of backfire as a verb in English, with synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples. Backfire can mean to have the opposite result of a plan, or to make a loud noise from an engine.

  3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › backfireBackfire Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    Learn the meaning of backfire as a verb and a noun, with synonyms, examples, and word history. Backfire can mean to have the opposite effect of what was planned, or a loud noise from an engine, or a fire to stop a bigger fire.

  4. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryBACKFIRE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

    BACKFIRE meaning: 1. (of a plan) to have the opposite result from the one you intended: 2. (of an engine) to make a…. Learn more.

  5. www.dictionary.com › browse › backfireBACKFIRE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

    noun. in an internal-combustion engine. an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system. 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.

  6. www.thefreedictionary.com › backfireBackfire - definition of backfire by The Free Dictionary

    Backfire can mean an explosion in an engine, a firearm, or a forest, or an unexpected, undesired result. Learn the different meanings, synonyms, and usage of backfire from various dictionaries and sources.

  7. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishBACKFIRE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

    verb (intransitive) 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.

  8. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishbackfire verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

    Learn the meaning of backfire as a verb, with synonyms, pronunciation and usage notes. Find out how to use backfire in sentences about plans, stunts, engines and vehicles.