verb
backfire
bak-FEYE-uh
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.”
verb
1
Of an engine or gun, to ignite or explode unexpectedly in the wrong direction, often with a loud pop.
"The old truck backfired loudly at every red light."
2
To produce the opposite result to the one intended, making the situation worse.
"His plan to surprise her backfired when she found the receipt first."
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.
Common pairings
the plan backfired
backfire spectacularly
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- backfires
- Past tense
- backfired
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old truck _____ loudly at every red light.
Etymology
From back + fire.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
