malfunction
Translation
to malfunction, to fail to operate properly
Examples
The coffee machine is malfunctioning again.
The coffee machine is malfunctioning again.
A faulty chip caused the system to malfunction.
A faulty chip caused the system to malfunction.
Grammar Patterns
to malfunction The printer started to malfunction.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fail, break down, go wrong
Etymology
From the prefix 'mal-' (bad) and 'function'. Literally 'bad function'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'mal' as meaning 'bad', as in 'malicious' or 'malady'. A 'bad function' is a malfunction.