# peter out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/peter-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less successful until it stops completely.

For teachers: to diminish gradually and eventually cease or disappear. The verb is intransitive and describes a loss of momentum or intensity.

## Examples

- The rain began to peter out around noon.
- Their conversation slowly petered out as they both realized they had nothing left to say.
- The economic recovery, which had shown such promise in the first quarter, began to peter out as global supply chains faltered.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The rain petered out the match." but "The match petered out because of the rain." — the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.

## Usage notes

- This is an intransitive phrasal verb, so it never takes a direct object.
- Teaching tip: Use the image of a candle burning down to help students visualize the gradual ending.

---

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.