backfire
UK[ˌbækˈfaɪə(r)]US[ˈbækˌfaɪər]
v
(of a plan or action) to have the opposite effect to the one intended, with bad or dangerous results.
v
(of a vehicle engine) to make a loud noise like an explosion because the fuel is burning too early.
Morpheme Breakdown
back
fire
back
in the opposite direction
fire
combustion, burning
Etymology
the compound 'backfire' originated in the late 19th century from american english, initially describing a specific malfunction in early internal combustion engines or firearms where ignited gases or flames escaped backwards from the cylinder or muzzle. the term is a straightforward combination of 'back', implying a reverse direction, and 'fire', referring to combustion. this literal sense of a reversal of flame logically extended by the early 20th century to describe any plan or action that reverses upon its originator, producing an unintended and detrimental outcome. the evolution captures a vivid metaphorical shift from a mechanical failure to a figurative failure of strategy.
Analysis
Structure: back + fire
back (old english, meaning 'in the opposite direction'); fire (old english, meaning 'combustion, burning').
Examples
his attempt to discredit his opponent completely backfired when evidence of his own misconduct was revealed.
we could hear the old truck backfiring as it struggled up the steep hill.
the marketing campaign backfired, causing a significant drop in sales instead of boosting them.