misfire

¹mis·fire

verb \ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r\

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>

Examples of MISFIRE

1. <their scheme to rob the bank misfired disastrously and landed them all in jail>

First Known Use of MISFIRE

1752

Related to MISFIRE

Synonyms: miscarry

Related Words: miss; break down, bust, conk (out), crash, die, fail, founder, stall; bomb, fizzle, flame out, flop, flunk, fold, wash out; flounder, struggle; decline, skid, slip, slump, tank, wane

Near Antonyms: prevail, succeed; flourish, prosper, thrive

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