Pronunciation: [hˈaŋfa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "hangfire" is spelled with the letters "h-a-n-g" followed by "f-i-r-e." The pronunciation starts with /h/, followed by the "ae" diphthong, which sounds like /eɪ/. The next sounds are /ŋ/ and /f/, ending with the vowel /aɪ/ and the consonant /r/. "Hangfire" is a noun that refers to a type of firearm malfunction in which the bullet is delayed in firing, potentially causing danger to the shooter.
Hangfire is a term used primarily in the realm of firearms to describe a phenomenon when a cartridge or round does not immediately ignite or discharge after the trigger is pulled. It refers to a delay in the firing of the round, causing a delayed ignition or an unexpected delay before the bullet is propelled from the barrel.
In a hangfire situation, the primer or propellant in the cartridge fails to ignite promptly as intended. Instead, there is a noticeable pause or delay, sometimes ranging from fractions of a second to several seconds, before the round finally fires. The delay may be caused by various factors such as faulty ammunition, improper storage conditions, or issues with the firearm's firing mechanism.
The concept of hangfire has significant implications for firearm safety. If a shooter experiences a hangfire, it is crucial to adopt strict safety protocols and exercise caution. A hangfire could mislead the shooter into assuming that the round has malfunctioned completely, leading them to prematurely inspect or manipulate the firearm. Consequently, it is advisable to maintain a proper shooting posture and keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction for an extended period after the trigger pull, allowing any potential hangfire to discharge harmlessly downrange.
Overall, hangfire is a term associated with a delayed ignition or discharge of a round after the trigger has been pulled, emphasizing the importance of firearm safety and proper handling techniques.
The word "hangfire" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "hang" and "fire".
The word "hang" comes from the Old English term "hōn", which means "to suspend" or "to be suspended". Over time, it also came to mean "to cause to be suspended", especially in the context of executing people by suspending them from a rope.
The word "fire", on the other hand, can be traced back to the Old English term "fȳr", which means "fire" or "flame".
The term "hangfire" originated in the world of artillery and firearms. It refers to a phenomenon where a firearm or artillery piece fails to fire immediately upon pulling the trigger or igniting the fuse and instead, there is a delayed or slow ignition. This delay could be due to various reasons, such as a defective or damp powder or an improper ignition mechanism.
