hangfires
Delayed firearm discharges
Hangfires is the plural of hangfire, a delay between triggering a firearm and its discharge.
The term comes from artillery and musketry, where a slow-burning fuse or faulty primer causes a dangerous pause before firing.
Figuratively, a hangfire is any delay or hesitation: The project has been in hangfire for months.
The verb hang fire means to delay or hold back.
Enforced waiting period
- jamCooked fruit spread
- failureLack of success
- defectInherent imperfection or fault
- glitchMinor system fault
fault · breakdown · stoppage · dud · cook-off · mechanical failure
Impact-triggered ignition charge
- flintlockFlint-sparked firearm mechanism
- primerPreparatory coat or guide
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
- flashpanFirearm's ignition receptacle
lock mechanism · trigger · hammer · bolt action · breech · chamber · propellant · frizzen
Delay until later
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
- safeFree from peril
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- cautionCareful attention to risk
vigilance · wariness · precaution · inspection · unload · cease fire
Enforced waiting period
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
- lagPeriod of falling behind
suspense · anticipation · uncertainty · pending · unresolved · postponement · setback · snag
Violent burst of energy
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- accidental dischargeUnintentional weapon firing
- volatileLiable to sudden change
- dangerousApt to cause harm
peril · risk · unpredictable · catastrophic · injury · safety violation · negligent discharge
delay
Enforced waiting period
glitch · fault · breakdown · stoppage · dud · cook-off · mechanical failure
percussion cap
Impact-triggered ignition charge
- flintlockFlint-sparked firearm mechanism
- primerPreparatory coat or guide
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
flashpan · lock mechanism · trigger · hammer · bolt action · breech · chamber · propellant · frizzen · touchhole
wait
Delay until later
caution · vigilance · wariness · precaution · inspection · unload · cease fire
delay
Enforced waiting period
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- stallEnclosed compartment or delay
lag · suspense · anticipation · uncertainty · pending · unresolved · postponement · setback · snag · hiccup
explosion
Violent burst of energy
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- accidental dischargeUnintentional weapon firing
- volatileLiable to sudden change
dangerous · peril · risk · unpredictable · catastrophic · injury · safety violation · negligent discharge