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backfire

noun verb

a miscalculation that recoils on its maker

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
8
Starts with
B
Ends with
E
Contains
AC
Scrabble score
19
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

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Meaning

Definitions

noun

  1. a miscalculation that recoils on its maker

noun

  1. a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path

noun

  1. a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine

noun

  1. the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired

verb

  1. set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire

verb

  1. emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire

    “My old car backfires all the time”

verb

  1. come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect

    “Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble”

In context

Example Sentences

My old car backfires all the time
Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble
the political movie backlashed on the Democrats

Similar words

Synonyms

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