Backfire (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

Admin
verb (used without object), back·fired, back·fir·ing.
  1. (of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
  2. to bring a result opposite to that which was planned or expected: The plot backfired.
  3. to start a fire deliberately in order to check a forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area in advance of it.
noun
  1. (in an internal-combustion engine) premature ignition of fuel in the intake manifold.
  2. an explosion coming out of the breech of a firearm.
  3. a fire started intentionally to check the advance of a forest or prairie fire.
verb (intr)
  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
  3. to start a controlled fire in order to halt an advancing forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area
noun
  1. (in an internal-combustion engine)
    • an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system
    • a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold
  2. a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire
Backfire (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

More Definitions