I. ˈbüməˌraŋ noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: native name in Australia
1. : a bent or angular throwing club usually somewhat flat which can be thrown so as to return near the starting point
2. : a statement or action that backfires on its originator
such crude methods of conquest would serve as a boomerang — Paul Blanshard
3.
[influenced in meaning by boom (II) ]
a. : a movable platform for supporting painters of theater scenery at various convenient heights
b. : a movable stand or arm for supporting stage lights at various levels
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to return in the manner of a boomerang
2. : to produce by word or deed a result directly opposed to that intended ; especially : to injure the originator (as of a policy) instead of the intended target : backfire
his … policy had boomeranged disastrously — U.N. World