back·fire
ˈbak-ˌfī(-ə)r 
backfired; backfiring; backfires
1
: to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect
their plans backfired
2
: to make or undergo a backfire
1
: a loud noise caused by the improperly timed explosion of fuel mixture in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine
2
: a fire started to check an advancing fire by clearing an area
Examples of backfire in a Sentence
Verb
my plan to throw her a surprise party backfired when she ended up thinking that everyone had forgotten her birthday
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
When a truck backfires on the street outside her office, a colleague is spooked, but Ziva stays perfectly calm — a moment that gains added importance soon enough.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025
Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
In the context of romance, decision fatigue arises when the seemingly convenient abundance of avenues for finding a partner start to, ironically, backfire.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Her raw ambition for recognition and admiration backfired on her.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
When a truck backfires on the street outside her office, a colleague is spooked, but Ziva stays perfectly calm — a moment that gains added importance soon enough.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
This can cause the airflow to slow down, stagnate, or even reverse, potentially resulting in backfire-like sounds and visible flames from the engine inlet or exhaust.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
In the context of romance, decision fatigue arises when the seemingly convenient abundance of avenues for finding a partner start to, ironically, backfire.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backfire. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backfire
1 of 2 noun
back·fire
-ˌfī(ə)r
1
: a fire that is set to check the spread of a forest fire or a grass fire by burning off a strip of land ahead of it
2
: a loud noise caused by the improperly timed explosion of fuel in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine
backfire
2 of 2 verb1
: to make a backfire
2
: to have a result opposite to what was planned
their plans backfired
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share