fizzle

IPA/ˈfɪzl/
KK[fˈɪzəl]IPA/ˈfɪzl/

fizzle — verb

  • fizzlepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • fizzleshe / she / it
  • fizzledpast simple
  • fizzling-ing form

1. to slowly lose energy, enthusiasm, or strength and come to a weak or disappointi

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to slowly lose energy, enthusiasm, or strength and come to a weak or disappointing end — for example, a party that starts with great energy but ends quietly because people drift away, or a promising plan that gradually stops because no one pursues it anymore.

例句

Rania started a small baking business last year, but it slowly fizzled out by spring.

fizzle out — of plans or ventures

Without new members, the club fizzled out after just two semesters.

同義詞
  • peter out

    also means to gradually end, but suggests a slow, natural depletion rather than loss of interest

  • taper off

    implies a steady, measured decrease rather than an abrupt weak end

  • dwindle

    focuses on the shrinking in size or intensity, not necessarily a disappointing end

反義詞
  • build up

    to grow in intensity or activity over time

  • take off

    to become suddenly successful or popular

文法句型

fizzle out

用法筆記

This sense appears almost exclusively with the particle 'out' — the bare form 'fizzle' without 'out' sounds unnatural for the 'gradually end' meaning.

常見錯誤

❌The conversation fizzled.
✅The conversation fizzled out.
💡Without 'out', the 'gradually end' meaning is unclear; add the particle.

2. to make a soft, continuous hissing sound like air or gas escaping slowly from so

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to make a soft, continuous hissing sound like air or gas escaping slowly from something — for example, a damp firework that sputters weakly instead of exploding, or a wet log that burns with a gentle s sound.

例句

The wet firework fizzled for a moment and then went completely dark.

fizzle — of a damp firework

Daichi heard something fizzle behind the stove and quickly turned off the gas.

同義詞
  • hiss

    a sharper, longer sound, often from steam or anger

  • sputter

    a series of short explosive sounds, not a continuous one

  • sizzle

    a frying or burning sound, louder and more energetic than fizzle

文法句型

fizzle (no object)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense verb/1: this sense describes an actual sound a thing makes, not a metaphorical loss of energy. The particle 'out' is not typically used with this meaning.

常見錯誤

❌The engine fizzled out and died.
✅The engine sputtered and died.
💡If an engine makes a weak sound and stops working, 'sputter' or 'splutter' is more natural than 'fizzle out'.

fizzle — noun