How to Pronounce "backfire"
word
ˈbækˌfaɪɹ
BAK-fy-er
bˈækfaɪə
BAK-fy-uh
Definition
If a plan, action, or situation backfires, it has the opposite effect of what was intended, often causing problems instead of solving them.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbækˌfaɪɹ
British English
bˈækfaɪə
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BAK-fy-er
UK
BAK-fy-uh
Listen in Context
My plan to save money backfired when I had to pay more for repairs.
If you lie, it might backfire and cause trouble.
The joke backfired, and nobody laughed.
Trying to avoid traffic by leaving late totally backfired—I hit even more jams.