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

European countries are growing concerned that Russia may decide to strike beyond the borders of Ukraine, leading governments across the continent to warn that any attempt by Moscow to destabilize the region will backfire. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Kiffin has run a lot of plays on the way to the top, some for better, and some that backfired. — Marzia Nicolini, Vanity Fair, 19 Sep. 2026

Noun

During the first hour, pine grove owners urged fire commanders to light a backfire a few hundred yards from Le Porge. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

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