backfire

• Retour de gaz ou détonation anormale dans un moteur ou une arme à feu après un tir; feu contrôlé allumé pour arrêter un incendie de forêt, ou action qui produit un résultat inverse de celui escompté.

A noun referring to the backward escape of gases from a gun after firing, a loud noise from an engine's exhaust, a controlled fire set to stop an advancing wildfire, or a plan that produces an undesired result.

1. Gun backfireC1formal

   The backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired.

   Contre-coup de bouche

   • The old rifle produced a loud backfire when it was discharged.
   • A backfire from the pistol startled everyone in the shooting range.
   • The soldier checked the weapon for a possible backfire.

   Synonymesblowbackflashback

2. Engine backfireB2informaltechnical

   A loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine.

   retour de flamme

   • The car's engine gave a sudden backfire as it started.
   • Motorcycles often produce a backfire when decelerating.
   • The mechanic diagnosed the backfire as a timing issue.

3. Controlled fireC1formalscientific

   A fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path.

   Feu de barrage

   • The firefighters set a backfire to stop the wildfire from spreading.
   • A backfire was used to protect the nearby village.
   • The crew carefully planned the backfire to ensure safety.

4. Unintended consequenceB2informal

   A miscalculation that recoils on its maker, resulting in an undesired effect.

   effet retour négatif

   • His plan to embarrass her backfired when she turned the tables.
   • The marketing campaign backfired and caused a public relations disaster.
   • Their attempt to cut costs backfired, leading to higher expenses.

   Synonymesbacklashblowbackboomerangreboundrecoilrepercussion

• Verbe utilisé pour indiquer qu'un plan ou une action produit l'effet inverse de celui attendu, entraînant souvent un résultat indésirable ou un retour de flamme.

A verb used to indicate that a plan or action has the opposite effect of what was intended, often resulting in an undesirable outcome.

1. Adverse resultB2formal

   To have the opposite effect from what was intended, resulting in failure or harm.

   Avoir l'effet inverse

   • His plan to embarrass her backfired and made him look foolish.
   • The new policy backfired, causing more problems than it solved.
   • Their attempt to discredit the witness backfired when the evidence was proven false.

   Synonymesboomerangmiscarrymisfirerebound

   Antonymessatisfysucceedwork

2. Engine noiseB2informaltechnical

   To produce a loud explosive sound in an internal combustion engine due to improper fuel combustion.

   Pétarader (moteur)

   • The old truck backfired loudly as it started up.
   • The car's engine backfired, startling everyone nearby.
   • Motorcycles often backfire when the fuel mixture is too rich.

   Synonymesbangcoughpop

3. Controlled fireC1formalscientific

   To set a deliberate fire to stop an advancing wildfire by creating a burned area in its path.

   Contre-feu

   • Firefighters backfired to protect the town from the approaching wildfire.
   • The crew backfired along the ridge to create a firebreak.
   • They decided to backfire the area to prevent the forest fire from spreading.

   Synonymesburn out