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View synonyms for misfire

misfire

[ verb mis-fiuhr; noun mis-fahyuhr ]

verb (used without object)

, mis·fired, mis·fir·ing.
  1. (of a rifle or gun or of a bullet or shell) to fail to fire or explode.
  2. (of an internal-combustion engine) to fail to ignite properly or when expected.
  3. to fail to achieve the desired result, effect, etc.:

    His criticisms completely misfired.



noun

  1. an act or instance of misfiring.

misfire

/ ˌmɪsˈfaɪə /

verb

  1. (of a firearm or its projectile) to fail to fire, explode, or ignite as or when expected
  2. (of a motor engine or vehicle, etc) to fail to fire at the appropriate time, often causing a backfire
  3. to fail to operate or occur as intended


noun

  1. the act or an instance of misfiring

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Word History and Origins

Origin of misfire1

First recorded in 1745–55; mis- 1 + fire

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Example Sentences

The biggest misfire here, though, was the notion that anyone would believe that this dude looked at all like Prince Harry.

Feely also indicated that the TOW was reliable, citing he had never seen a misfire during his four-year enlistment.

But the crime comedy Man of the House, released in 2005, was a major misfire.

The latter film, directed by Nora Ephron, was a major misfire on all cylinders.

In the case of a misfire, don't open the bolt immediately, as it may be a hangfire.

The only thing which is unlikely is that the primer would be dented on the misfire?

It is a misfire, and the two men ride triumphantly on into the plains.

His ears strained for misfire of the engine, if it stopped he would be hurled to earth.

Clovis swore horribly under his breath; the miracle was an obvious misfire.

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