misfire
|mis/fire|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌmɪsˈfaɪər/
🇬🇧
/ˌmɪsˈfaɪə/
fail to ignite
Etymology
Etymology Information
'misfire' originates from the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' and the word 'fire' meaning 'to ignite or discharge'.
Historical Evolution
'misfire' changed from the Old English word 'fyr' meaning 'fire' and eventually became the modern English word 'misfire'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to fire wrongly or improperly', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to fail to ignite or discharge properly'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an instance of failing to fire or ignite properly.
There was a misfire during the test run of the new engine.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 17:06