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Backfiring: meaning, definitions and examples

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backfiring

 

[ˈbækfaɪərɪŋ ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 characters’ 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, characters’ 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "backfiring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recuperação

🇮🇳 बैकफायरिंग

🇩🇪 Rückschlag

🇮🇩 kembali

🇺🇦 зворотний удар

🇵🇱 odwrócenie

🇯🇵 バックファイア

🇫🇷 recul

🇪🇸 retroceso

🇹🇷 geri tepmek

🇰🇷 역효과

🇸🇦 ارتداد

🇨🇿 zpětný úder

🇸🇰 návrat

🇨🇳 反冲

🇸🇮 nazadovanje

🇮🇸 afturhvarf

🇰🇿 артқа қайту

🇬🇪 უკვე

🇦🇿 geri dönmə

🇲🇽 retroceso

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.