1. to have an opposite and undesirable result from what was intended
Usage: past tense of backfire
2. to make a loud popping sound due to improper combustion in an engine
Usage: automotive; past tense of backfire

Examples

• His plan to impress his boss backfired when he arrived late to the meeting.
• The politician’s attack ads backfired and hurt his own campaign.
• Her attempt to make him jealous backfired completely.
• The old car backfired loudly as it drove down the street.
• The marketing strategy backfired and sales actually decreased.
• The truck backfired several times before finally starting.
• Their scheme to avoid work backfired when the teacher noticed.