Boomerang

/ˈbuːməræŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A curved angular tool that, when thrown, returns to the thrower.

He practiced throwing the boomerang in the park, amazed when it returned to him.

A strategy or action that backfires or returns to the originator.

Her attempt to sabotage his project turned out to be a boomerang, as it only made him more determined to succeed.

verb

To return to the thrower, similar to how a boomerang does.

If you throw your efforts into negativity, they may boomerang back at you.

The word 'boomerang' comes from the Darug language of Indigenous Australians.

what goes around comes around

A saying that implies that one’s actions, good or bad, will eventually return to them.

boomerang effect

A phenomenon where an action has unintended consequences that come back to affect the initiator.

frisbee

A disc used in a similar game, typically thrown for others to catch.

dart

A small pointed missile that is thrown or shot.

A situation or action that rebounds or backfires.

His plan to sabotage her promotion turned into a boomerang, as he got fired instead.

Referring to a person who repeatedly returns to a situation, often uninvited.

He's a real boomerang; every time we think he's gone for good, he shows up again.