backfire vs fire

backfire and fire both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
backfire	Yes	No	Yes	No
fire	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, fire is a hypernym of backfire; that is, fire is a word with a broader meaning than backfire:

backfire: a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path
fire: the event of something burning (often destructive)

As verbs, fire is a hypernym of backfire; that is, fire is a word with a broader meaning than backfire:

Other hypernyms of backfire include burn, burn down.

backfire (noun)	fire (noun)
a miscalculation that recoils on its maker	the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
a loud noise made by the explosion of fuel in the manifold or exhaust of an internal combustion engine	a fireplace in which a relatively small fire is burning
the backward escape of gases and unburned gunpowder after a gun is fired	intense adverse criticism
a fire that is set intentionally in order to slow an approaching forest fire or grassfire by clearing a burned area in its path	the event of something burning (often destructive)
	a severe trial
	feelings of great warmth and intensity
	the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
	fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking
	once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles), associated with the humour bile

backfire (verb)	fire (verb)
set a controlled fire to halt an advancing forest to prairie fire	bake in a kiln so as to harden
emit a loud noise as a result of undergoing a backfire	destroy by fire
come back to the originator of an action with an undesired effect	start or maintain a fire in
	become ignited
	cause to go off
	start firing a weapon
	go off or discharge
	generate an electrical impulse
	call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
	drive out or away by or as if by fire
	provide with fuel
	terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position