wear off

verb

1. intr to decrease in intensity gradually

   the pain will wear off in an hour

2. to disappear or cause to disappear gradually through exposure, use, etc

   the pattern on the ring had been worn off

Idioms and Phrases

Diminish gradually, lose effectiveness, as in We'll wait till the drug wears off . [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

It's been a week since the election of Donald Trump and the shock is just now beginning to wear off.

From Salon

But as the magic wore off in recent years because of massive crowds and long lines, this 37-year-old waste hauling operations manager turned to cruises instead.

From Los Angeles Times

Does the illusion fully wear off if we drop the compulsive need to call them out because we want them to be held to a certain standard?

From Salon

Drums helped me harness and wear off my bad side.

From Los Angeles Times

Even Klein Salamon acknowledged that, 18 months after “Sunflowers,” the effect of political vandalism may be wearing off.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• subside