fizzle out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To lose excitement, to become less exciting; to end, fail or die out in a weak or disappointing way.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Tottenham had hoped to make a statement of real intent against the title pace-setters and while manager Harry Redknapp did not secure the victory he craved, he at least saw his side match United every stride of the way in a game that fizzled out after a bristling start.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To kill or end (someone or something).
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “fizzle out” mean?
To lose excitement, to become less exciting; to end, fail or die out in a weak or disappointing way.
Is “fizzle out” formal or informal?
fizzle out is generally slang.