backfire

//ˌbækˈfaɪər//
B2Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of backfire

Verb

backfireInfinitive
backfirePresent tense
backfiredPast tense
backfiredPast participle
backfiringPresent participle
backfiresThird-person singular
1

(of a plan or action) to have the opposite effect to what was intended, often with harmful consequences.

His plan to surprise her backfired when she found out about it early.

2

(of an engine or vehicle) to make a loud explosive noise as a result of fuel igniting in the exhaust system or intake manifold.

The old car backfired loudly when I started the engine.

Noun

1

A loud explosion in the exhaust or intake system of an internal combustion engine.

The old car made a loud backfire when I started the engine.

2

A fire started deliberately to stop the advance of an approaching wildfire by removing combustible material.

The firefighters set a backfire to stop the wildfire from spreading further.