backfire

 

verb

Pronunciation: /bakˈfʌɪə/
[no object]
  • 1(of a vehicle or its engine) undergo a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust: a car backfired in the road and shoppers ducked instinctively
  • 2(of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what was intended: overzealous publicity backfired on her

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbakfʌɪə/
  • 1a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust of a vehicle or engine: once the engine is running smoothly, a backfire can be dramatic
  • 2North American a fire started deliberately to stop the progress of an approaching fire by creating a burned area in its path.