/bak"fuyeur'/ , v. , backfired, backfiring , n.
v.i.
1. (of an internal-combustion engine) to have a loud, premature explosion in the intake manifold.
2. to bring a result opposite to that which was planned or expected: The plot backfired.
3. to start a fire deliberately in order to check a forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area in advance of it.
n.
4. (in an internal-combustion engine) premature ignition of fuel in the intake manifold.
5. an explosion coming out of the breech of a firearm.
6. a fire started intentionally to check the advance of a forest or prairie fire.
[ 1775-85, Amer.; BACK 2 + FIRE ]
Syn. 2. miscarry, boomerang; flop, bomb, wash out.