Definitions of backfire [ˈbækˌfaɪ^ər]

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Definition of 'backfire'

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

1. (v.i.) backfire
(of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.

2.  backfire
to bring a result opposite to that planned.

3.  backfire
to start a fire deliberately in order to check a forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area in advance of it.

4. (n.) backfire
(in an internal-combustion engine) a premature, explosive ignition of fuel in the intake manifold.

5.  backfire
an explosion coming out of the breech of a firearm.

6.  backfire
a fire started intentionally to check the advance of a forest fire.

Etymology: (1775–85, Amer.)

Definition of 'backfire'

Princeton's WordNet

1. (noun) blowback, backfire
the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired

2. (noun) backfire
a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine

3. (noun) backfire
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. (verb) backfire, boomerang
a miscalculation that recoils on its maker

5. (verb) backfire, backlash, recoil
come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
"Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"

6. (verb) backfire
emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire
"My old car backfires all the time"

7. (verb) backfire
set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire

'backfire' - Nearby Entries
back exercise back-formation backer backfield backfire backflow backflowing

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Definitions of backfire [ˈbækˌfaɪər]

Definitions of backfire [ˈbækˌfaɪ^ər]