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Learn the informal phrasal verb peter out, which means to gradually become smaller, weaker, or less before stopping or ending. See examples of peter out in sentences and related words.
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What does Peter out mean?
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While the root source of 'peter out' is fairly certainly mining, there's no clear understanding of why the word 'peter' was chosen in this context. As always, when an etymology is uncertain, people like to guess.
'Peter' has many meanings, both as a noun and a verb, and so the speculations are wide-ranging. They include a suggestion of a link to Saint Peter and to the story that his faith in Jesus faded when he denied him before his crucifixion. There could also be a link between St. Peter being called the rock, in Matthew 16:18:
That may have made an association between Peter and rock, so that a dwindling seam of rock or mineral could be said to have petered out.
Another suggestion is an allusion to the French word péter (to break wind - literally to explode, but also used figuratively to mean fizzle), as in the phrase péter dans la main, meaning 'to come to nothing'.
Peter out means to dwindle away to nothing, often used in the context of mining or business. Learn about the possible sources of the phrase, such as Saint Peter, saltpetre or French péter, and see how it is used in sentences.
Peter out means to gradually stop or disappear, or to be reduced gradually. See how to use this phrasal verb in different contexts and languages, and compare it with related words and phrases.
Peter out means to dwindle or diminish and come to an end, as in Their enthusiasm soon petered out. The origin of this usage is unknown, but it may refer to the apostle Peter, who denied Jesus three times.
Definitions of peter out. verb. end weakly. synonyms: fizzle, fizzle out, taper off. see more. verb. use up all one's strength and energy and stop working. synonyms: conk out, poop out, run down, run out. see more.
phrasal verb. peter out. to gradually become smaller, quieter, etc. and then end The campaign petered out for lack of support. The road petered out into a dirt track. The conversation became strained and eventually petered out. Take your English to the next level.
Peter out means to gradually come to an end or stop. It can be used with verbs like strike, road, or hope. See synonyms, pronunciation, and sentences from Collins dictionaries.
