English to English
noun
- the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired
source: WordNet 3.0
- a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine
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
source: WordNet 3.0
- a miscalculation that recoils on its maker
source: WordNet 3.0
verb
- come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble.
source: WordNet 3.0
- emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire
My old car backfires all the time.
source: WordNet 3.0
- set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire
source: WordNet 3.0
- To have or experience a back fire or back fires; -- said of an internal-combustion engine.
source: Webster 1913
