fizzle

[ fiz-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, fiz·zled, fiz·zling.

1. to make a hissing or sputtering sound, especially one that dies out weakly.
2. Informal. to fail ignominiously after a good start (often followed by out ):

   The reform movement fizzled out because of poor leadership.

   Synonyms: founder, collapse, miscarry

noun

1. a fizzling, hissing, or sputtering.
2. Informal. a failure; fiasco.

fizzle

/ ˈfɪzəl /

verb

1. to make a hissing or bubbling sound
2. informal.
   often foll by out to fail or die out, esp after a promising start

noun

1. a hissing or bubbling sound; fizz
2. informal.
   an outright failure; fiasco

Word History and Origins

Origin of fizzle¹

1525–35; earlier fysel to break wind, frequentative of *fise < Old Norse fīsa to break wind; akin to feist

Word History and Origins

Origin of fizzle¹

C16: probably from obsolete fist to break wind

Example Sentences

Then the Rams fizzled at home Monday in a 23-15 loss to the Dolphins, who were 2-6 coming into the game.

From Los Angeles Times

Near the end of the campaign event in Onslow County, the energy of the crowd began to fizzle as the sun dipped beyond the trees.

From BBC

After a certain amount of growth, smaller dating app companies are likely to fizzle out or be sold to one of the major players, Helfstein said.

From Los Angeles Times

Tata was also a scuba diving enthusiast, a hobby that fizzled with age "as his ears could take the pressure no more".

From BBC

A stock market rally in China has fizzled out as a highly-anticipated announcement on plans to boost the country's ailing economy disappointed investors.

From BBC

Related Words

• abort
• misfire
• peter out
• wane