# backfire

/ˈbækˌfaɪɹ/ (US) · /bˈækfaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backfire
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to have the opposite effect

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. engine noise

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a mechanical explosion

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. controlled fire

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- His plan to surprise her might backfire if she stays late at work.
- The company's aggressive marketing campaign backfired when customers felt the ads were too intrusive and started boycotting the brand.
- Economists warned that the new trade tariffs could backfire by increasing the cost of raw materials for domestic manufacturers, ultimately slowing the very industry they were meant to protect.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.