WordLens

peter out

1 of 1verb
/ˈpitər aʊt/
Forms:peters out,petering out,petered out,petered out
1

to gradually end or fade away, often due to becoming weakened

  • The trail peters out about half a mile up the mountain, making it difficult to follow.
  • The protests were strong in the beginning but petered out when support waned.
  • Our conversations often peter out into awkward silences.
  • His enthusiasm for the project seemed to peter out after the initial excitement wore off.
  • After the initial rush, interest in the new toy petered out by the end of the year.
2

to gradually fade away to the point of stopping or disappearing

  • After running the marathon, Sarah petered out and had to rest for the whole day.
  • The team was enthusiastic in the first half of the project, but they began to peter out as the workload increased.
  • She started the day with so much enthusiasm, but by evening, she had petered out.
  • After running for miles, Jake petered out and took a long break by the road.
  • Their energy had completely petered out after the long hiking trip.