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- DictionaryBack·fire/ˈbakˌfī(ə)r/
verb
- 1. (of an engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust: "a car backfired in the road"
- 2. (of a plan or action) rebound adversely on the originator; have the opposite effect to what was intended: "overzealous publicity backfired on her"
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 set intentionally to arrest the progress of an approaching fire by creating a burned area in its path, thus depriving the fire of fuel. North American
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.
4 days ago · 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.
Check pronunciation: backfire. Definition of backfire verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Definitions of backfire. noun. a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine. see more. noun. the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired. synonyms: blowback. see more. verb. emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire.
Backfire definition, (of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold. See more.
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.
1. of an engine or vehicle : to make a loud sound when fuel is not burned properly. The car backfired. 2. : to have the opposite result of what was desired or expected. Our plans backfired (on us). — backfire. noun, plural backfires [count] an engine backfire.
