misfire
verbUK /ˌmɪsˈfaɪə/
US /ˌmɪsˈfaɪr/
When something like a car or a gun does not work the way it should.
The old car's engine began to misfire on the way home.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. When a plan or joke does not work and has the wrong effect.
His joke misfired and nobody laughed.
3. When an engine's fuel burns at the wrong time.
A dirty spark plug can make the engine misfire.
4. When a gun fails to shoot when the trigger is pulled.
The rifle misfired because the bullet was wet.