backfire

Definitions

To have an opposite and undesirable effect to what was intended.

To undergo a mistimed explosion in an internal combustion engine.

Examples

His plan to surprise her at the airport backfired when she arrived on a different flight.

The company's aggressive marketing campaign backfired, causing a significant decline in customer trust.

Synonyms

fail misfire flop miscarry fizzle collapse bomb

Antonyms

succeed thrive prosper flourish work succeed perfectly pay off