Peter out Meaning in English
expression
ˈpitɝ/ /ˈaʊt
PEE-ter OWT
pˈiːtɐ/ /ˈaʊt
PEE-tuh OWT
Definition
When something gradually becomes weaker, smaller, or ends completely, often after starting strongly.
Usage & Nuances
'Peter out' is informal and often refers to trends, activities, or resources becoming less until nothing is left. Common with 'enthusiasm', 'energy', or 'supplies'. Not used for abrupt endings.
Spanish: acabarse - extinguirse - esfumarsePortuguese (BR): desaparecer - acabar aos poucos - esgotar-sePortuguese (PT): desaparecer - esgotar-se - extinguir-seChinese (Simplified): 逐渐消失 - 渐渐结束Chinese (Traditional): 逐漸消失 - 漸漸結束Hindi: धीरे-धीरे समाप्त होना - कमज़ोर पड़नाArabic: يَتَلاشى تدريجياً - يَنْفَد شيئًا فشيئًاBengali: ধীরে ধীরে কমে আসা - শেষ হয়ে যাওয়াRussian: сойти на нет - иссякнутьJapanese: だんだん弱まる - 徐々になくなるVietnamese: tắt dần - yếu dần - hết dầnKorean: 점차 사라지다 - 점점 줄어들다Turkish: yavaş yavaş sona ermek - tükenmekUrdu: آہستہ آہستہ ختم ہونا - مدھم پڑ جاناIndonesian: berangsur-angsur habis - melemah secara perlahan
Example Sentences
The rain finally petered out after several hours.
basic
The conversation started lively but soon petered out.
basic
Their supplies petered out before help arrived.
basic
The crowd’s excitement petered out as the concert dragged on.
natural
Her enthusiasm for the project petered out after a few weeks.
natural
My energy petered out halfway through the hike.
natural