peter out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Become weaker and gradually stop
Why “out”? Something is used until nothing is left. Energy, supply, fire, and time all reach zero.
“The conversation petered out.”
“The applause petered out.”
Test yourself
“The conversation petered out.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
blow out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Extinguish a flame by blowing
burn out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Become exhausted from overwork; (of a fire) Stop burning because there is no fuel left; (of an electrical device) Stop working because of overheating; Destroy a building or vehicle by fire
chill out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Relax and stop being anxious
close out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
End or settle a process or account
conk out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Stop working suddenly, especially of an engine or machine
die out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Gradually disappear
dry out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Become or make completely dry
fizzle out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
End weakly after a strong start
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