English to English

backfire

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

the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired(noun.event)

Synonym:
blowback

source: wordnet30
a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine(noun.event)

source: wordnet30
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: wordnet30
a miscalculation that recoils on its maker(noun.act)

Synonym:
boomerang

source: wordnet30

come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect(verb.social)

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

Synonym:
backlash, recoil

source: wordnet30
emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire(verb.perception)

Example:
My old car backfires all the time.

source: wordnet30
set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire(verb.change)

source: wordnet30
To have or experience a back fire or back fires; -- said of an internal-combustion engine.(verb)

source: webster1913

Bookmark This Site