1. a delay or failure in the firing of a gun or explosive charge after the trigger is pulled or the fuse is lit
Usage: military/firearms term
2. any unexpected delay or failure in the normal operation or progress of something
Usage: informal

1. to experience a delay or failure in firing or operating; to fail to proceed as expected
Usage: informal

Examples

• The rifle experienced a hangfire, and the soldier had to wait several seconds before the shot finally discharged.
• The project suffered a hangfire when the funding fell through unexpectedly.
• If a cartridge hangs fire, do not attempt to remove it immediately.
• The engine would hangfire occasionally on cold mornings.
• The plan seemed solid, but it began to hangfire once we encountered budget constraints.
• Military personnel are trained to handle a hangfire safely and patiently.