backfire Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired
   blowback.
   
2. noun a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine
   
3. noun 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. noun a miscalculation that recoils on its maker
   boomerang.
   
5. verb come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
   recoil; backlash.
   
   • Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble
6. verb emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire
   
   • My old car backfires all the time
7. verb set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire
   

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