What does "dry-firing" a bow mean?

"Dry-firing" a bow refers to the act of releasing the bowstring without an arrow nocked. This practice can lead to significant damage to the bow because the energy that would normally be transferred to the arrow is instead absorbed by the bow itself. The limbs of the bow can suffer from excessive stress, which may lead to breakage or other forms of damage. Additionally, dry-firing can pose safety hazards to the archer, as the bowstring can snap back unexpectedly. Therefore, understanding this term is crucial for any archery instructor or practitioner to promote safe and effective handling of equipment.