(of a rifle or gun or of a bullet or shell) to fail to fire or explode.

(of an internal-combustion engine) to fail to ignite properly or when expected.

to fail to achieve the desired result, effect, etc.

His criticisms completely misfired.

an act or instance of misfiring.

verb

abort , backfire , blunder , break down , come to nothing , explode , fall flat , fall short , fizzle , fizzle out , fizz out , flop , flounder , go up in smoke , go wrong , miscarry , miss , peter out , poop out , slip