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Misfired: meaning, definitions and examples

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misfired

 

[ mɪsˈfaɪəd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

failed attempt

Misfired refers to the failure of a mechanism, particularly in the context of firearms or machinery, to operate as intended. In firearm terminology, it describes a situation when a bullet fails to discharge after the trigger is pulled. Misfiring can also extend to metaphorical uses where an idea or plan does not succeed in achieving its intended outcome. Poor conditions, mechanical faults, or human error are common causes of misfiring.

Synonyms

backfired, failed, flopped.

Examples of usage

  • The gun misfired during the demonstration.
  • His plan misfired when no one showed up.
  • The engines misfired under extreme temperature.
  • The joke misfired, leaving everyone in awkward silence.

Translations

Translations of the word "misfired" in other languages:

🇵🇹 disparado

🇮🇳 गलत फायरिंग

🇩🇪 fehlgefeuert

🇮🇩 tembak salah

🇺🇦 невдалий постріл

🇵🇱 nieudany strzał

🇯🇵 誤発射

🇫🇷 tir raté

🇪🇸 disparo fallido

🇹🇷 yanlış ateş

🇰🇷 오발

🇸🇦 إطلاق نار خاطئ

🇨🇿 neúspěšné vystřelení

🇸🇰 nepodaril sa výstrel

🇨🇳 误射

🇸🇮 neuspešen strel

🇮🇸 misfyrir

🇰🇿 қате ату

🇬🇪 მარცხი გასროლაში

🇦🇿 səhv atış

🇲🇽 disparo fallido

Etymology

The word 'misfired' is derived from the prefix 'mis-', meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly', combined with the verb 'fire', which originates from the Old French word 'fire', stemming from Latin 'ignis', meaning 'fire'. The term was first recorded in English in the early 19th century, when firearms became more prevalent. Its application has broadened over time from purely mechanical failures to encompass any situation where an attempt fails to achieve its desired effect. The evolution of the word reflects advancements in technology and a growing understanding of failure in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,033, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.