backfire meaning and definition

BACKFIRE noun

Definition of backfire (noun)

1. the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired
   • synonyms: blowback
2. a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine
3. a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path
4. a miscalculation that recoils on its maker
   • synonyms: boomerang

BACKFIRE verb

Definition of backfire (verb)

1. come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
   • "Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"
   • synonyms: backlash, recoil
2. emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire
   • "My old car backfires all the time"
3. set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire