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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

But unwed couples often make informal arrangements over custody and child support, which can backfire and land them in court years later.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 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

But almost immediately, the Berlin Wall began to backfire on Khrushchev.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin




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