backfire

IPA: bˈækfaɪr

A premature explosion in the cylinder of a gas or oil engine during the exhaust or the compression stroke, tending to drive the piston in the wrong direction.
An explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine.
An explosion in other equipment.
(firefighting) Alternative spelling of back fire [A small, controlled fire set in the path of a larger uncontrolled fire, in order to limit the spread of the large fire by removing its fuel.]

(of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.
(of a reciprocating engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound.
To fail in a manner that brings down further misfortune.

Examples of "backfire" in Sentences

It tends to backfire on the job.
It's likely to backfire, though.
All other tactics will backfire.
The ploy backfires and leads to divorce.
But don't exaggerate, it just backfires.
Commendations at arbitration tend to backfire.
What will backfire is when Reps link Obama to Carter.
They knew that aggressiveness toward the reader backfires.
The plan backfires and leads to the accidental death of Gerald.
However his plan backfires and he is shot with the revolver in the study.
But the plan backfires when Bill lets Lauren go to the mall with a shoplifter.
The phenomenon - known as "backfire" - is "a natural defense mechanism to avoid that cognitive dissonance."
The backfire from a bread truck coming around the corner was too close for comfort when I realized what was happening.
By challenging the courts, it's possible that strategy could backfire, which is a risk that some discharged military service members fear.
In some cases, the overall result can be what's called 'backfire': more energy use than would have occurred without the improved efficiency.
Of course, some plans backfire, which is what happened to a guy who tried to doctor his W2 form but put down the wrong address for a company he said he worked for but didn't.