Backfire
WordNet
noun
(1) A miscalculation that recoils on its maker
(2) A fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path
(3) A loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine
(4) The backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired
verb
(5) Set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire
(6) Emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire
"My old car backfires all the time"
(7) Come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
"Your comments may backfire and cause you a lot of trouble"
WiktionaryText
Verb
- to fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel
- to fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.
- His attempt to make money by importing luxury cars horribly backfired when fuel prices tripled.