Dictionary
1misfire
verb mis·fire \ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r\
of an engine : to fail to work properly because the fuel mixture burns at the wrong time
of a gun : to fail to fire properly : to fail to shoot a bullet
: to fail to have an intended effect : to fail to work properly
Full Definition of MISFIRE
intransitive verb
1
: to have the explosive or propulsive charge fail to ignite at the proper time <the engine misfired>
2
: to fail to fire <the gun misfired>
3
: to miss an intended effect or objective <the new ad campaign misfired>
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First Known Use of MISFIRE
1752
Related to MISFIRE
- Synonyms
- miscarry
2misfire
noun mis·fire \ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r, ˈmis-ˌ\
Definition of MISFIRE
1
: a failure (as of a cartridge or firearm) to fire
2
: something that misfires
First Known Use of MISFIRE
1839
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