misfire (ˌmɪsˈfaɪə
)
Definitions
verb (intr)
- (of a firearm or its projectile) to fail to fire, explode, or ignite as or when expected
- (of a motor engine or vehicle, etc) to fail to fire at the appropriate time, often causing a backfire
- to fail to operate or occur as intended
noun
- the act or an instance of misfiring
Usage examples
And maybe I'll miss and keep missing until you're safely out on the road, or the gun'll misfire.
, Doll's Eyes (1994)He was clearly miffed that CBS ' spring misfire , My Big Fat Greek Life, was getting all the attention.
Toronto Sun (2003)For a composer so direct in communication, this work seemed an unusual misfire.
Times, Sunday Times (2005)The second, a misfire , struck a British cartridge without detonating it.
, The Bullet Catchers (1989)