out of control; disordered or chaotic, broken or malfunctioning, a wire used for baling hay

go haywire, run haywire, wire haywire

Formal and Informal Expressions of haywire

In different contexts, you can replace 'haywire' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'disordered, malfunctioning' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'crazy, nuts' is a commonplace synonym.

haywire: Explore its Definition & Usage

haywire Definition

1out of control; disordered or chaotic
2broken or malfunctioning
3a wire used for baling hay

Using haywire: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "haywire" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company's finances went haywire after the CEO resigned.
Example
The machine went haywire and started spitting out sparks.
Example
I can't find my keys; everything is haywire today.
Example
He spent all day fixing the haywire on the tractor.

haywire Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for haywire

Antonyms for haywire

Phrases with haywire

go haywire
to become out of control or disordered
Example
The party went haywire when the music got louder.
run haywire
to operate in a disorderly or chaotic manner
Example
The computer system ran haywire after the power outage.
wire haywire
to use wire to secure or bale hay
Example
We need to wire haywire before the storm comes.

Origins of haywire

originally American, from the noun 'hay' and the adjective 'wire'

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Summary: haywire in Brief

'Haywire' [ˈheɪwaɪər] describes situations that are out of control or disordered, as in 'The company's finances went haywire after the CEO resigned.' It can also refer to broken or malfunctioning objects, such as 'The machine went haywire and started spitting out sparks.' Additionally, it is a noun referring to a wire used for baling hay. Common phrases include 'go haywire,' meaning to become out of control, and 'run haywire,' meaning to operate in a disorderly manner.