backfiring
|back-fi-ring|
🇺🇸
/ˈbækˌfaɪrɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈbækˌfaɪərɪŋ/
(backfire)
unintended negative effect
Etymology
'backfire' originates from English as a compound of 'back' + 'fire' (modern formation describing fire or explosion directed backward)
'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'rear, back' and 'fire' from Old English 'fyr'; the compound 'backfire' was used in literal senses (gun/engine) and later extended figuratively to mean producing an opposite effect
Initially, it referred to a literal backward-directed flame or explosion; over time it evolved to include the figurative sense 'to have the opposite of the intended effect'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an instance of backfiring; an unexpected adverse result caused by an action or plan
The policy's backfiring surprised even its supporters.
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Verb 1
(of a plan, action, or policy) to have the opposite effect to that intended, often producing a worse result
The new marketing strategy is backfiring: instead of attracting customers it's driving them away.
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Verb 2
(of an engine, firearm, or explosive device) to explode or combust in a way that makes a loud noise or sends flame/smoke backward rather than forward
The old motorcycle kept backfiring as we rode through the town.
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Adjective 1
causing or characterized by a backfire or opposite-than-intended result
Their backfiring attempt to silence critics only drew more attention.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 03:40