misfire

To misfire is to fail to discharge or ignite properly, or to fail to carry through a plan properly.

(verb)

When you pull the trigger and the gun doesn't fire, this is an example of when the gun misfires.
When the engine on your car doesn't start because the fuel doesn't ignite, this is an example of when the engine misfires.

The definition of a misfire is a failure of a gun to fire or discharge correctly, or a failure of an engine to start.

(noun)

When a gun is fired and no bullet comes out, this is an example of a misfire.

See misfire in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb misfired, misfiring

to fail to ignite properly or at the right time: said of an internal-combustion engine
to fail to go off, or be discharged: said of a firearm, missile, etc.
to fail to achieve a desired effect

Origin: mis- + fire, v.

noun

an act or instance of misfiring

See misfire in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb mis·fired, mis·fir·ing, mis·fires