back·fire
ˈbak-ˌfī(-ə)r 
backfired; backfiring; backfires
1
: to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect
their plans backfired
2
: to make or undergo a backfire
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
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
Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
While game theory maps workplace social behavior reasonably well, constantly remaining in a heightened state of awareness can backfire.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 22 May 2025
The plan backfires, especially after Yelena, Walker, and Ghost realize they’ve been set up.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
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Verb
Wellington even loaded the bases in the top of the eighth by intentionally walking Hagerty star Ana Roman to get to Felker, a move that had backfired on many teams this season.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
While game theory maps workplace social behavior reasonably well, constantly remaining in a heightened state of awareness can backfire.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
Wanting to leave nothing to chance, Goose (Ruffin Prentiss) spikes Felix’s gum with LSD, but the sabotage backfires when the drugs turn him into an even better pitcher.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 22 May 2025
The plan backfires, especially after Yelena, Walker, and Ghost realize they’ve been set up.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backfire. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 verb1
: to make a backfire
2
: to have a result opposite to what was planned
their plans backfired
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