backfires; backfired; backfiring
1
of an engine or vehicle
: to make a loud sound when fuel is not burned properly
The car backfired.
2
: to have the opposite result of what was desired or expected
Our plans backfired (on us).
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/backfire. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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