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  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
    More Definitions, Word Origin & Scrabble

  2. 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.

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  4. 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.

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  6. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › backfireBACKFIRE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

    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.

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

    Backfire definition: (of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.. See examples of BACKFIRE used in a sentence.

  8. www.collinsdictionary.com › english › backfireBACKFIRE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

    Learn the meaning of backfire as a verb and a noun, with synonyms and usage examples. Find out how backfire can describe an explosion in a car engine, a plan that fails, or a fire that stops a wildfire.

  9. 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.

  10. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › backfireBackfire - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

    Use the word backfire when you talk about the sound a car makes when a small explosion in its exhaust system pops — sometimes as loudly as a gunshot.

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