n. Function: verb
to have the reverse of the desired effect FF1C; the new policy backfired disastrously FF1E;
Synonyms: backlash, boomerang, bounce (back), kick back
Related Words: fall (through), fizzle, miscarry, miss, ricochet
Idioms: come to grief, go on the rocks, ||lay an egg
Contrasted Words: come off, succeed, work out