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backfire
(redirected from backfired)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Legal, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
backfire
1. in an internal-combustion engine
a. an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system
b. a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold
2. a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire

backfire [′bak‚fīr]
(civil engineering)
A fire that is started in order to burn against and cut off a spreading fire.
(electronics)
(engineering)
Momentary backward burning of flame into the tip of a torch. Also known as flashback.
(mechanical engineering)
In an internal combustion engine, an improperly timed explosion of the fuel mixture in a cylinder, especially one occurring during the period that the exhaust or intake valve is open and resulting in a loud detonation.
(ordnance)
Rearward escapement of gases or cartridge fragments upon firing a gun.


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Going Dirty explores incidents when negative campaigning has backfired, most often due to non-credible charges or the attackers failure to correctly gauge the sentiments of the electorate, and incidents when negative campaigning has been remarkably successful, which are common enough to explain its persistence as an electoral tactic.
I just read your article "The Breakdown of Boycotts" [July 18] and was happy to hear that many of the boycotting efforts of hatemongering so-called Christian organizations like the American Family Association and Focus on the Family have not only failed but perhaps have backfired.
Bryan got a shotgun and tried to scare off the wolves by firing into the air, but that strategy backfired.
 
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