backfire

v. to have the opposite result from what you intended, usually causing you problems.

v. to produce an adverse or unintended effect that is contrary to the original intent. Intransitive — the subject is usually a plan, strategy, or action.

“The company's plan to raise prices backfired when all their customers left.”

“The aggressive marketing strategy backfired spectacularly, alienating the core demographic and leading to a sharp decline in quarterly revenue.”

v. when an engine makes a loud, sudden noise like a small explosion.

v. to undergo a premature ignition of fuel in the cylinder or exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, resulting in a loud popping sound.

“The old truck backfired loudly as it drove down the quiet street.”

“The vintage motorcycle backfired several times before the mechanic managed to adjust the carburettor and stabilise the idle speed.”

Technical

n. a loud noise made by an engine or a gun when it is not working correctly.

n. a premature explosion in the cylinder or exhaust of an engine, or a reverse fire in a firearm.

“We heard a loud backfire from the garage and went to see what happened.”

“The sudden backfire from the exhaust pipe startled the pedestrians, who initially mistook the sound for a gunshot.”

Technical

v. to start a small, controlled fire to stop a larger forest fire from spreading.

v. to initiate a controlled fire in the path of an advancing wildfire to deprive it of fuel and halt its progress.

“The firefighters decided to backfire the ridge to save the nearby town.”

“The crew worked through the night to backfire the perimeter, successfully creating a buffer zone that the main wildfire could not cross.”

Technical