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Backfiring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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backfiring

[หˆbรฆkfaษชษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

motor malfunction

Backfiring occurs when fuel ignites in the engine's exhaust system, producing a loud sound. This can happen due to various issues, such as improper timing or a rich fuel mixture.

Synonyms

exploding, malfunction, misfire.

Examples of usage

  • The car started backfiring after a long drive.
  • I heard my motorcycle backfiring during the ride.
  • The mechanic said the backfiring was caused by a faulty spark plug.
Context #2 | Verb

failed plan

In a metaphorical sense, backfiring refers to a plan or action that has the opposite of the intended effect, often leading to unexpected negative consequences.

Synonyms

boomerang, fail, rebound.

Examples of usage

  • His attempt to embarrass her backfired spectacularly.
  • The new policy backfired, causing more issues than it solved.
  • Their strategy for increasing sales backfired and resulted in loss.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • A strategy intended to solve a problem can sometimes backfire, making the situation worse instead.
  • Research indicates that when people intend to persuade others, overly aggressive tactics can often lead to rejection rather than acceptance.
  • Mistakes and failures in decision-making can serve as learning opportunities, highlighting how backfiring can also lead to personal growth.

Pop Culture

  • In TV shows and movies, characters often experience plans backfiring for comedic effect, keeping the audience entertained.
  • Backfiring is a common theme in heist films, where charactersโ€™ plans lead to unexpected outcomes, adding suspense.
  • Popular video games often include mechanics where actions unexpectedly backfire, creating surprises for players.

Literature

  • Many classic stories explore the theme of plans backfiring, often leading to protagonists facing unforeseen challenges.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, charactersโ€™ schemes frequently backfire tragically, demonstrating the unpredictability of fate.
  • Backfiring is a common motif in satire, where overly ambitious actions of individuals lead to ironic outcomes.

Science

  • In biology, natural selection can backfire, where traits that seem advantageous may ultimately harm a species' survival.
  • Certain scientific experiments can backfire, leading to unexpected and sometimes dangerous results, underscoring the importance of careful testing.
  • In chemistry, reactions intended to yield harmless products can backfire, producing toxic substances instead.

Origin of 'backfiring'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from mechanics, particularly in engines where a misfire causes a loud bang.
  • It has evolved to describe situations outside of mechanics, often in social or operational contexts.
  • The word combines 'back' (suggesting a return) and 'fire' (a sudden release), illustrating things going wrong unexpectedly.

The term 'backfire' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'fire'. The 'back' component suggests a reversal, while 'fire' relates to combustion. Initially, it related to the unintended ignition within an engine's exhaust system, causing disruptive noise. Over time, the term evolved to portray the concept of plans or actions that result in undesirable outcomes opposite to their purpose. In the automotive context, its usage dates back to the early 20th century, becoming widely recognized in the realm of mechanics. The expansive adoption of the term reflects both its technical origins and broader metaphorical applications in everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,377, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.