misfire
verb (used without object)
(of a rifle or gun or of a bullet or shell) to fail to fire or explode.
have misfired
-
present perfectof misfire.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There have been other times when earthquake early warnings have misfired.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 2025
Cohen says that progressives have misfired in their decision to challenge him.
From Salon ● Oct. 14, 2025
It said about 20 percent have misfired and landed in Gaza.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 7, 2022
One of the 2019 intake was under no illusions about Mr Cummings' role, but nonetheless felt that his attacks would have misfired if the prime minister himself had not given him the ammunition.
From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2022
The technician who took his place—you don't stop a countdown like that for a heart attack—checked his work and found an error that would have misfired the thing.
From Prologue to an Analogue by Leigh Richmond
