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backfire

/ˈbækfaɪə/

/ˈbækfaɪr/

Translations

backfirenoun

backfires

/ˈbækfaɪə/

/ˈbækfaɪr/

retour de flammeSens mécanique ou explosif ; terme courant en automobile et en motorisation.

There was a sharp backfire as the motorcycle sped past.

On a entendu un violent retour de flamme lorsque la moto est passée à toute vitesse.

retour de bâtonSens figuré ; résultat contraire à l’effet recherché.

Their attempt to discredit the opposition turned into a spectacular backfire.

Leur tentative de discréditer l’opposition s’est transformée en un spectaculaire retour de bâton.

Synonyms

backfireverb

backfired

Past Simple

backfired

Past Participle

backfiring

Gerund

/ˈbækˌfaɪə/

/ˈbækˌfaɪr/

se retourner contreSens figuré ; se dit d’une action ou d’un plan.

The plan to cut costs backfired, leading to even higher expenses.

Le plan de réduction des coûts s’est retourné contre eux, entraînant des dépenses encore plus élevées.

Additional translations

faire un retour de flammeSens mécanique ; emploi surtout en contexte automobile.

Synonyms

backfireadjective

/ˌbækˈfaɪə/

/ˌbækˈfaɪr/

Attributive use in compounds such as “backfire effect”.

contre-productifSens attributif ; qualifie un effet inverse à celui recherché.

The researchers examined the backfire effect in political communication.

Les chercheurs ont examiné l’effet contre-productif dans la communication politique.

Definitions

backfirenoun

A sudden loud explosive sound produced when unburned fuel ignites in the intake or exhaust system of an internal-combustion engine.

There was a sharp backfire as the motorcycle sped past.

An outcome of an action or plan that produces the opposite or a worse effect than was intended.

Their attempt to discredit the opposition turned into a spectacular backfire.

backfireverb

To have the opposite effect to what was intended.

The plan to cut costs backfired, leading to even higher expenses.

To produce a loud noise as a result of a mistimed explosion in the cylinder or exhaust of a vehicle.

The old car backfired loudly as it struggled up the hill.

backfireadjective

Attributive: Relating to or caused by an action that produces the opposite effect than intended; counterproductive.

The researchers examined the backfire effect in political communication.