backfire — ONAD

backfire /ˈbakˌfī(ə)r, ˈbækˌfaɪ(ə)r

▸ verb [no object]

1 (of an engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust:

a car backfired in the road.

2 (of a plan or action) rebound adversely on the originator; have the opposite effect to what was intended:

overzealous publicity backfired on her.

▸ noun

1 a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust of a vehicle or engine:

once the engine is running smoothly, a backfire can be dramatic.

2 North American a fire set intentionally to arrest the progress of an approaching fire by creating a burned area in its path, thus depriving the fire of fuel.