Backfire - Definition
backfire
n 1: the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a
gun is fired [syn: blowback, backfire]
2: a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or
exhaust of an internal combustion engine
3: a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an
approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned
area in its path
4: a miscalculation that recoils on its maker [syn: backfire,
boomerang]
v 1: come back to the originator of an action with an undesired
effect; "Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of
trouble" [syn: backfire, backlash, recoil]
2: emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire; "My
old car backfires all the time"
3: set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie
fire