peter out

[for something] to die or dwindle away; [for something] to become exhausted gradually. When the fire petered out, I went to bed. My money finally petered out, and I had to come home.

See also: out, peter

peter out

to be reduced gradually so that nothing is left The road petered out completely, and there was no choice but to walk the rest of the way. The attacks petered out during the rainy season.

See also: out, peter

peter out

Dwindle or diminish and come to an end, as in Their enthusiasm soon petered out. The origin of this usage is unknown, but one authority suggests it may refer to the apostle Peter, whose enthusiastic support of Jesus quickly diminished so that he denied knowing him three times during the night after Jesus's arrest. [Mid-1800s]

See also: out, peter

peter out

1. To cause someone to lose all energy; tire someone out: That long run petered me out. You'll get petered out if you work too fast.

2. To lose all energy; tire out: I petered out toward the end and lost the race.

3. To diminish slowly and come to an end; dwindle: The flow of water petered out as the valves were closed.

See also: out, peter

peter out

in. to give out; to wear out. What’ll we do when the money peters out?

See also: out, peter

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Rebecca	rə-BEK-ə (English), re-BEK-kah (Italian)	English, Italian, Swedish, Biblical, Biblical Latin
Almast	-	Armenian
Ludwig	LOOT-vikh, LOOT-vik	German
Sorley	SAWR-lee	Scottish, Irish
Hal	[hæl]
Rain (1)	RAYN	English (Rare)