backfire

1 of 2

verb

back·​fire ˈbak-ˌfī(-ə)r 

backfired; backfiring; backfires

intransitive verb

1

: to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect

their plans backfired

2

: to make or undergo a backfire

backfire

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonyms of backfire

Verb

• collapse
• flop

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

Verb

Then the team didn’t make any serious additions at the 2024 deadline even though the Twins were contending for a wild-card spot, a decision that backfired when a club that was 70-53 collapsed, losing 29 of 41 games and missing the playoffs. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

This is not some idle fare -- the family is heaping trust in AI that could regrettably backfire on them. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Noun

Rumors thrive in the gap between official statements and visible reality, especially when vague reassurances backfire. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

When C-suite talk backfires The very political job of leading a company requires an agile communication style and the ability to quickly tailor language and messaging to meet the moment at hand. — Claire Zillman, Fortune, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for backfire

• admire
• afire
• aspire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire
• perspire
• rehire

Kids 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 verb

1

: to make a backfire

2

: to have a result opposite to what was planned

their plans backfired