English dictionary

backfire

/'b/&/k,f/aI//-/r/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

noun

the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired

noun.event

Synonyms blowback

Source: WordNet 3.0
a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine

noun.event

Source: WordNet 3.0
a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path

noun.event

Source: WordNet 3.0
a miscalculation that recoils on its maker

noun.act

Synonyms boomerang

Source: WordNet 3.0

come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect

verb.social

Examples
Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble.

Synonyms backlash recoil

Source: WordNet 3.0
emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire

verb.perception

Examples
My old car backfires all the time.

Source: WordNet 3.0
set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire

verb.change

Source: WordNet 3.0
To have or experience a back fire or back fires; -- said of an internal-combustion engine.

verb

Source: webster1913