backdraft

American

[bak-draft, -drahft] / ˈbækˌdræft, -ˌdrɑft /

noun

an explosive surge in a fire produced by the sudden mixing of air with other combustible gases.

Etymology

Origin of backdraft

First recorded in 1815–25; back ² + draft

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.

Jamie Dobie's box-kicks are almost forcing the Warriors backwards as they get caught in the backdraft.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2024

Fire Commissioner William Renaldo described an explosion caught on video as a backdraft, which he said occurs when oxygen is “sucked into the building and then blown back.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

The central bank has remained cautious, hoping to avoid any backdraft from the U.S.

From Reuters • Oct. 15, 2021

It’s unclear what caused the sudden explosion, though a backdraft and a ruptured gas main were both raised as possibilities.

From Washington Post • Feb. 3, 2018

And that was Natalie Tysdal’s Wednesday morning, spent on all fours vomiting in front of the Denver metro area as a simple chip tore through her insides like a backdraft.

From Golf Digest • Oct. 26, 2017

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023