backfire
Backfire (verb) means of an engine or gun, to ignite or explode unexpectedly in the wrong direction, often with a loud pop. Example: “The old truck backfired loudly at every red light.”
How to use backfire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go wrong in a way that causes more trouble than before — like a plan that blows up in your face.
Word forms
backfired past tense, backfires singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old truck _____ loudly at every red light.
Etymology
From back + fire.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for backfire
See all rhymes for backfire →Frequently asked questions
What does “backfire” mean?
The word “backfire” means of an engine or gun, to ignite or explode unexpectedly in the wrong direction, often with a loud pop. In plain terms, to go wrong in a way that causes more trouble than before — like a plan that blows up in your face.
How do you pronounce “backfire”?
“Backfire” is pronounced bak-FEYE-uh (/bækˈfaɪə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “backfire” in a sentence?
Here is “backfire” used in a sentence: “The old truck backfired loudly at every red light.”
What part of speech is “backfire”?
“Backfire” is a verb.
How many meanings does “backfire” have?
“Backfire” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of an engine or gun, to ignite or explode unexpectedly in the wrong direction, often with a loud pop.