back fire
"Backfire" can refer to a firefighting technique, an engine malfunction, or an unintended consequence.
Definition
C1Firefighting
(technical)A controlled burn set to stop the spread of a larger fire by removing its fuel.
Example
- Firefighters set a backfire to halt the advancing wildfire.
B2Mechanics
(technical)An explosion in the air intake or exhaust system of an engine, often due to improper tuning or unburned fuel.
Example
- The car's engine backfired loudly as it sputtered to a halt.
B2General
(informal)An unintended result opposite to the desired outcome.
Example
- Her plan to surprise him backfired when he found out beforehand.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "back fire":
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