(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

(of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what was intended

overzealous publicity backfired on her

a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust of a vehicle or engine

once the engine is running smoothly, a backfire can be dramatic

a fire started deliberately to stop the progress of an approaching fire by creating a burned area in its path