Yahoo Web Search

Search results

  1. Dictionary
    Back·fire
    /ˈbakˌfī(ə)r/

    verb

    • 1. (of an engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust: "a car backfired in the road" Similar misfire
    • 2. (of a plan or action) rebound adversely on the originator; have the opposite 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 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
  2. People also ask

  3. 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 or fire caused by improper timing.

  4. Learn the meaning of backfire as a verb in English, with two senses: (of a plan) to have the opposite result from the one you intended, and (of an engine) to make a loud noise. See sentences from the Cambridge English Corpus and other sources.

  5. Learn the meaning of backfire as a verb in English, with examples of how to use it in different contexts. Find out how to say backfire in other languages, such as Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese.

  6. Backfire can mean a loud explosion in an engine, a result opposite to the plan, or a fire to stop a wildfire. Learn the origin, synonyms and usage of backfire with sentences and sources.

  7. 5 days ago · Learn the meaning of backfire as a verb and a noun, with different contexts and usage. Find out how to pronounce backfire in British and American English, and see related words and expressions.

  8. [intransitive] (of an engine or a vehicle) to make a sudden noise like an explosion Topics Transport by car or lorry c2. compare misfire. See backfire in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Check pronunciation: backfire. Definition of backfire verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

  9. Backfire is a noun or verb that means an unwanted result, a fire started to control a fire, or a loud noise from an engine. Find the origin, usage, and translations of backfire in different languages and sources.

  1. Searches related to define backfire

    define backfire effect