Dictionary
1backfire
noun back·fire \-ˌfī(-ə)r\
Definition of BACKFIRE
1
: a fire started to check an advancing fire by clearing an area
2
: a loud noise caused by the improperly timed explosion of fuel mixture in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine
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First Known Use of BACKFIRE
1839
2backfire
verb
of an engine or vehicle : to make a loud sound when fuel is not burned properly
: to have the opposite result of what was desired or expected
Full Definition of BACKFIRE
intransitive verb
1
: to make or undergo a backfire
2
: to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect <their plans backfired>
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First Known Use of BACKFIRE
1886
Related to BACKFIRE
- Synonyms
- boomerang
Rhymes with BACKFIRE
BACKFIRE Defined for Kids
1backfire
verb back·fire \ˈbak-ˌfīr\
back·firedback·fir·ing
Definition of BACKFIRE for Kids
1
: to have a result opposite to what was planned <The joke backfired.>
2
: to make a loud engine noise caused by fuel igniting at the wrong time
2backfire
noun
Definition of BACKFIRE for Kids
1
: a loud engine noise caused by fuel igniting at the wrong time
2
: a fire that is set to stop the spread of a forest fire or a grass fire by burning off a strip of land ahead of it
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