misfire

1 of 2

verb

mis·​fire ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r 

misfired; misfiring; misfires

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

misfire

2 of 2

noun

mis·​fire ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r 

ˈmis-ˌfī(-ə)r

1

: a failure (as of a cartridge or firearm) to fire

2

: something that misfires

Synonyms

Verb

• miscarry

Examples of misfire in a Sentence

Verb

their scheme to rob the bank misfired disastrously and landed them all in jail

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Detroit roared back in the third quarter to take a 31-28 when Moody misfired on a potential tying kick from 58 yards out, early in the final period. —David K. Li, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024

One group hypothesizes that the sensation happens after decreasing blood pressure and muscle tissue relaxation causes your brain to misfire and briefly enter a panic mode. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024

Noun

After a couple misfires — Kate & Leopold and Identity — Mangold rebounded with this biopic that doubled as a touching love story. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2024

This year’s biggest swing was also one of the worst misfires, with early screenings prior to its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival portending critical and financial doom. —Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

misfire

verb

mis·​fire

(ˈ)mis-ˈfī(ə)r

1

: to have the explosive or driving 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

the plan misfired

misfire noun