1. a curved flat piece of wood that can be thrown so that it returns to the thrower
Usage: originally used by Australian Aboriginal peoples
2. something that returns to harm or benefit the originator
Usage: figurative

1. to return unexpectedly to harm the originator
Usage: intransitive

Examples

• The Aboriginal hunter threw the boomerang with perfect accuracy.
• She learned to catch the boomerang when it returned to her.
• His cruel comments became a boomerang that damaged his own reputation.
• The negative campaign ads boomeranged against the candidate.
• The policy changes boomeranged, creating more problems than they solved.
• Traditional boomerangs were used for hunting in Australia.
• Her dishonesty was a boomerang that eventually cost her the job.