BACKFIRED Meaning and
Definition
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Backfired is a verb that describes an event or action that does not yield the desired results and instead produces an unfavorable or unintended outcome. It typically refers to situations or plans that fail spectacularly or have the opposite effect from what was intended. When something backfires, it often results in negative consequences or setbacks for the individual or group involved.
The term "backfired" originally comes from the concept of a backfire occurring in an internal combustion engine. In this context, a backfire happens when the fuel mixture ignites in the intake or exhaust instead of inside the combustion chamber as intended. This causes a loud explosion or burst of flames that can damage or disrupt the engine.
In a figurative sense, the concept of backfiring can be applied to a wide range of scenarios. For example, if someone attempts to publicly embarrass their opponent, but their plan is discovered and instead they become the target of embarrassment, it can be said that their scheme backfired. Similarly, if a company introduces a product or marketing campaign that is meant to boost sales but instead results in a significant decline in their customer base, it can be said that their strategy backfired.
Overall, "backfired" refers to an endeavor or action that fails, leading to unintended consequences or results contrary to the intended purpose. It underscores the idea that not all plans or actions go as expected and can sometimes have adverse effects.
Common Misspellings for BACKFIRED
Etymology of BACKFIRED
The word backfire originated in the early 17th century and has its roots in the combination of two words: back and fire. The word back refers to the rear side or the opposite direction, while fire refers to combustion or the release of energy through combustion.
Originally, backfire was used to describe a situation where an engine or a firearm experienced the unfortunate event of a fire starting at the back instead of the front as intended. This unintended fire at the opposite end of the expected direction became associated with unexpected consequences or outcomes. Over time, the term backfire has developed to be a metaphorical expression for situations where actions or plans lead to a result that is the opposite of what was intended. Thus, when someone's plans or actions go awry and end up causing an undesired outcome, we say they backfired.
Similar spelling words for BACKFIRED
Conjugate verb Backfired
CONDITIONAL
I
would backfire
we
would backfire
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would backfire
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would backfire
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would backfire
FUTURE
I
will backfire
we
will backfire
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will backfire
he/she/it
will backfire
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will backfire
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have backfired
we
will have backfired
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will have backfired
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will have backfired
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will have backfired
PAST
I
backfired
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backfired
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backfired
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backfired
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backfired
PAST PERFECT
I
had backfired
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had backfired
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had backfired
he/she/it
had backfired
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had backfired
PRESENT
I
backfire
we
backfire
you
backfire
he/she/it
backfires
they
backfire
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have backfired
we
have backfired
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have backfired
he/she/it
has backfired
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have backfired
I
am backfiring
we
are backfiring
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are backfiring
he/she/it
is backfiring
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are backfiring
I
was backfiring
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were backfiring
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were backfiring
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was backfiring
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were backfiring
I
will be backfiring
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will be backfiring
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will be backfiring
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will be backfiring
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will be backfiring
I
have been backfiring
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have been backfiring
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have been backfiring
he/she/it
has been backfiring
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have been backfiring
I
had been backfiring
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had been backfiring
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had been backfiring
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had been backfiring
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had been backfiring
I
will have been backfiring
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will have been backfiring
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will have been backfiring
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will have been backfiring
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will have been backfiring
I
would have backfired
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would have backfired
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would have backfired
he/she/it
would have backfired
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would have backfired
I
would be backfiring
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would be backfiring
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would be backfiring
he/she/it
would be backfiring
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would be backfiring
I
would have been backfiring
we
would have been backfiring
you
would have been backfiring
he/she/it
would have been backfiring
they
would have been backfiring
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