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Misfired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misfired

[mษชsหˆfaษชษ™d ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In many video games, 'misfired' is used to describe a situation where a player's attack goes amiss, adding to the entertainment factor of gameplay.
  • Movies and TV shows often depict misfires in comedic ways, such as characters accidentally firing gadgets or weapons, leading to unexpected outcomes.
  • In music, certain songs talk about love as a misfire, expressing failed relationships or misunderstandings.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, a 'misfire' can symbolize a breakdown in communication, where intentions do not match outcomes.
  • Failures due to misfiring thoughts or impulses can lead to overreactions, indicating the complexity of human behavior.
  • Understanding the concept of 'misfired' intentions helps in conflict resolution by highlighting miscommunication.

Science

  • In technology, 'misfired' is often used to describe a malfunction in machinery or software, highlighting the importance of precision.
  • In the field of chemistry, a 'misfire' can refer to a reaction that does not produce the expected result, emphasizing the need for careful experimentation.
  • In firearms, a misfire specifically indicates a failure of a cartridge to discharge, leading to safety concerns and the need for thorough checks.

Literature

  • Many literary works use 'misfire' as a metaphor for the complexities of human emotions and relationships, illustrating how plans can go awry.
  • The term is often used in thrillers to ramp up tension, where unpredictable outcomes can lead to suspenseful narratives.
  • Poets might use the idea of โ€˜misfiringโ€™ to discuss lost opportunities and the unexpected paths life can take.

Origin of 'misfired'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'mis-' comes from Old English, meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly', indicating something is not done correctly.
  • The root word 'fire' in this context relates to the action of starting something, like firing a gun or igniting a project.
  • Combining these, 'misfired' literally means 'wrongly fired', which can refer to any failure in action.

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.