misplay

American  

[mis-pley, mis-pley, mis-pley] / mɪsˈpleɪ, ˈmɪsˌpleɪ, mɪsˈpleɪ /

noun

1. a wrong or bad play.

2. a play prohibited by the rules.

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verb (used with object)

1. to make an error or incorrect play on or with; play wrongly.

   The catcher misplayed the ball, allowing the base runner to score.

2. to make a play on or with (a card, chess piece, etc.) prohibited by the rules.

misplay British  

/ ˌmɪsˈpleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to play badly or wrongly in games or sports

   the batsman misplayed the ball

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noun

1. a wrong or unskilful play

Etymology

Origin of misplay

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; mis- ¹ + play

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

misplay

As ominous as Outman’s misplay was, it happened early.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2023

Devils coach Lindy Ruff said Blackwood’s ability to make several key saves after his misplay was important in helping New Jersey push the game to overtime.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 1, 2023

Johansson poked in a loose puck at the goal mouth after a misplay by Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 27, 2022

They struck for four runs in the bottom of the first, twice benefiting from a misplay by Brandon Drury at third base to surge in front.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2022

A year later and he had learned that a misplay, even though it lose the game for your side, may in time be lived down.

From The Half-Back by Ralph Henry Barbour