Haywire
adjective
If something is haywire, it is not working normally or is out of control.
The project went haywire after several team members left.
Usage tips
Informal
go haywire,haywire machinery,events go haywire
adjective
In a mechanical context, when devices or machinery are haywire, they function incorrectly or break down.
The printer was haywire; it kept jamming every few minutes.
Usage tips
Neutral
haywire device,electronics go haywire,haywire system
adjective
If something is haywire, it is not working normally or is out of control.
The project went haywire after several team members left.
Usage tips
Informal
go haywire,haywire machinery,events go haywire
adjective
In a mechanical context, when devices or machinery are haywire, they function incorrectly or break down.
The printer was haywire; it kept jamming every few minutes.
Usage tips
Neutral
haywire device,electronics go haywire,haywire system
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Causation
When you say something is haywire, think about what caused it to go wrong, be it human error or technical failure.
The machine went haywire because it wasn't maintained properly.
Pro Tip 2/3Context
Use 'haywire' in casual conversations or to describe situations among friends or colleagues where things did not go as planned.
Our plans for the picnic went haywire due to the rain.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connotation
Describing emotions as 'haywire' suggests they are unpredictable and intense, often evoking a sense of chaos or confusion.
Her feelings were all haywire after the unexpected news.
Pro Tip 1/3Causation
When you say something is haywire, think about what caused it to go wrong, be it human error or technical failure.
The machine went haywire because it wasn't maintained properly.
Pro Tip 2/3Context
Use 'haywire' in casual conversations or to describe situations among friends or colleagues where things did not go as planned.
Our plans for the picnic went haywire due to the rain.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connotation
Describing emotions as 'haywire' suggests they are unpredictable and intense, often evoking a sense of chaos or confusion.
Her feelings were all haywire after the unexpected news.
Pro Tip 1/3Causation
When you say something is haywire, think about what caused it to go wrong, be it human error or technical failure.
The machine went haywire because it wasn't maintained properly.
Pro Tip 2/3Context
Use 'haywire' in casual conversations or to describe situations among friends or colleagues where things did not go as planned.
Our plans for the picnic went haywire due to the rain.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connotation
Describing emotions as 'haywire' suggests they are unpredictable and intense, often evoking a sense of chaos or confusion.
Her feelings were all haywire after the unexpected news.
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