backfiring

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect
  2. verb emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire
  3. verb set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire

Synonyms

backfire, backlash, recoil

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