misplay

[mis-pley, mis-pley, mis-pley]

noun

1. a wrong or bad play.

2. a play prohibited by the rules.

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

/ ˌmɪsˈpleɪ /

verb

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

   the batsman misplayed the ball

noun

1. a wrong or unskilful play

Word History and Origins

Origin of misplay¹

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

Example Sentences

“We have not talked about right field at all,” Roberts said this week, as the noise around Hernández’s shaky glove grew louder following a pair of misplays in a Monday loss at Colorado.

From Los Angeles Times

“I can’t make an error right there,” said Betts, who has had a couple misplays in recent weeks after making just one error in a 61-game stretch from mid-April to late June.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the fourth inning, he came up with two aboard — after two misplays by Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia led to a pair of Dodgers runs that erased an early 2-0 deficit.

From Los Angeles Times

Repetition is one of "Black Mirror"’s two misplays in Season 7.

From Salon

As Wednesday showed, it’s how they’re winning games, this time triumphing despite three errors and two base-running blunders and one misplayed fly balls.

From Los Angeles Times