misplay

[ noun mis-pley, mis-pley; verb mis-pley ]

noun

1. a wrong or bad play.
2. a play prohibited by the rules.

verb (used with object)

1. to make an error or incorrect play on or with; play wrongly:

   The catcher misplayed the ball, allowing the base runner to score.

2. to make a play on or with (a card, chess piece, etc.) prohibited by the rules.

misplay

/ ˌmɪsˈpleɪ /

verb

1. tr to play badly or wrongly in games or sports

   the batsman misplayed the ball

noun

1. a wrong or unskilful play

Word History and Origins

Origin of misplay¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; mis- ¹ + play

Example Sentences

Former Braves star Freddie Freeman quickly added some insurance, lining a single to left that scored two runs after Jarred Kelenic misplayed the ball.

From Los Angeles Times

“As soon as I saw the center fielder misplay it a little bit, I just thought about scoring that tying run,” Pages said in Spanish.

From Los Angeles Times

It wasn’t enough — not on a night the Dodgers squandered other prime scoring opportunities, once again struggled to find production from the bullpen, and most consequentially were hurt by several misplays in the field.

From Los Angeles Times

Max Muncy, their troublesome third baseman, committed two errors and misplayed another ground ball in that same game.

From Los Angeles Times

The last batter Javier faced was rookie Evan Carter, whose hard two-out liner to right sailed over Tucker’s head to the wall after being misplayed into a double by the Gold Glove finalist.

From Washington Times