Misfire - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Misfire means to fail to function correctly, especially in engines or firearms when they do not ignite properly. It can also describe plans or actions that go wrong or fail unexpectedly.
Definition:
To fail to fire or function properly, especially in a gun or engine.
Synonyms:
fail, malfunction, backfire, flop
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
succeed, function, ignite
Common Collocations:
engine misfire, gun misfire, occasional misfire
Derivatives:
misfired, misfiring, misfires
Usage Tips:
Use "misfire" for mechanical failures or when plans go wrong unexpectedly.
Common Phrases:
misfire badly, complete misfire, occasional misfire
Etymology:
From "mis-" (wrongly) + "fire," first used in the 17th century for firearms.
Examples:
- 1. The engine began to misfire during the race.
- 2. Her joke was a complete misfire and no one laughed.
- 3. The old rifle tends to misfire in cold weather.
- 4. His plan to surprise her misfired when she found out early.