# die down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/die-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to become gradually weaker, quieter, or less intense. You use this when a noise, a fire, or a strong feeling slowly disappears.

For teachers: to gradually decrease in intensity, volume, or activity until reaching a state of near-quiescence. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

## Examples

- The wind began to die down after the storm.
- We waited for the applause to die down before the speaker continued her presentation.
- Once the initial fervor of the protest began to die down, the organizers struggled to maintain public interest in the cause.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The noise died down the room." but "The noise in the room died down." — The verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.

## Usage notes

- This verb is intransitive and never takes a direct object.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'die out' to show the difference between losing intensity and becoming extinct.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.