fizzle out
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to slowly end or fail instead of finishing in a strong or clear way.
phrasal verb. to gradually decrease in intensity, strength, or effectiveness until a complete cessation occurs; often used for processes, relationships, or protests.
Their romance started well but soon began to fizzle out.
The protest started with hundreds of people, but it fizzled out when the rain began.
Initial enthusiasm for the new policy fizzled out as the staff realized how much extra paperwork it would actually require.
usually used for things that start with a lot of energy but lose it over time.
the word 'fizzle' mimics the sound of a dying fire or a drink losing its bubbles, which helps students remember the idea of losing energy.
The party fizzled out it.The party fizzled out.this phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Last updated April 24, 2026