Fizzled

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  fizzle \fiz"zle\ (f[i^]z"z'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {fizzled}
     (f[i^]z"z'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {fizzling} (f[i^]z"zl[i^]ng).]
     [See {Fizz}.]
     1. To make a hissing sound.
        [1913 Webster]
  


              It is the easiest thing, sir, to be done,
              As plain as fizzling.                 --B. Jonson.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To make a ridiculous failure in an undertaking, especially
        after a good start; to achieve nothing. [Colloq. or Low]
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
              A four-day rally in stocks fizzled yesterday amid
              renewed fears that strong economic growth may prompt
              the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.
                                                    --Sharon R.
                                                    King (N. Y.
                                                    Times, May 6,
                                                    1998).
        [PJC]
  
     {To fizzle out}, to burn with a hissing noise and then go
        out, like wet gunpowder; hence: to fail completely and
        ridiculously; to prove a failure. [Colloq.]
        [1913 Webster]