verb Download 🔗Share (of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel. Examples : "The old shotgun backfired, sending sparks flying towards the surprised hunter. " technical weapon machine action Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (of an engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound. Examples : "The old car was backfiring loudly as it struggled to climb the hill, making a series of popping sounds. " vehicle sound technical machine energy fuel Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune. Examples : "His attempt to make money by importing luxury cars backfired horribly when fuel prices tripled." outcome action situation event negative Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
noun Download 🔗Share A failure that leads to further misfortune. Examples : "The company's cost-cutting measures proved to be a backfiring, leading to employee resignations and decreased productivity. " outcome disaster negative Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading