Meaning & Definition of Backfire in English

1. The backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired

2. A loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine

3. A fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path

4. A miscalculation that recoils on its maker

1. Come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect

• "Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"

2. Emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire

• "My old car backfires all the time"

3. Set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire