backfire

Meanings

Verb

• To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.
• To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound.
• To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.

Noun

• Alternate spelling of back fire
• A premature explosion in the cylinder of a gas or oil engine during the exhaust or the compression stroke, tending to drive the piston in the wrong direction.
• An explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine.
• An explosion in other equipment.

Related

Similar words

• knock, ping

Origin

• From back + fire.