misfire
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmɪsˌfaɪər/
KK: /ˈmɪsˌfaɪər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To fail to work as intended or to produce the expected result.
Example
The engine misfired, causing the car to stall.
Tense Forms
Past: misfired
Past Participle: misfired
Conversation
Did you hear about the new fireworks show?
Yeah, I heard it was amazing, but some of the fireworks misfire sometimes.
That's a bit scary, isn't it?
It is, but they say it's part of the excitement!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fail
flop
abort
Antonyms
succeed
perform
ignite
noun
Definition
A failure of a gun or other device to fire when it is supposed to, or a mistake in a plan or action that does not go as intended.
Example
The misfire of the weapon caused a delay in the operation.
Conversation
Did you hear about the misfire during the practice game yesterday?
Yeah, it was such a surprise!
I thought they had fixed all the issues by now.
Root Explanation
Misfire → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrong or badly) and "fire" (from Old English "fyr", meaning to ignite or discharge). The word "misfire" means to ignite or discharge incorrectly or improperly.
Memory Tip
Think of something going 'wrong' ('mis-') when trying to 'ignite' or 'discharge' ('fire') — that's why misfire means an incorrect ignition.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.