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Definitions

backfire

[bak-fahyuhr] / ˈbækˌfaɪər /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But further destabilising the island could backfire on the US, said LeoGrande, who wrote the book Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Holding one of these ETFs for a long period could backfire, although it has worked out well recently.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

In some cases, letting your spouse take care of the finances can backfire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Once someone has formed an opinion, debunking their belief can backfire, driving them to commit even more strongly to their mistake.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

He was complacent and insecure, daring in the administrative stratagems he employed to bring himself to the attention of his superiors and craven in his concern that his schemes might all backfire.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller




Vocabulary lists containing backfire


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