fizzle
UK: ˈfɪz.əl | US: ˈfɪz.əl
vi. to make a hissing or sputtering sound, especially when failing or ending weakly
vi. to fail or end feebly after a promising start
n. a hissing or sputtering sound
n. a failure or fiasco
The word "fizzle" likely originated as an imitation of the sound of something fizzing or sputtering weakly (onomatopoeia). The core morpheme "fizz" mimics a hissing noise, while the suffix "-le" (common in English verbs like "sparkle" or "crackle") suggests repeated or gradual action. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe failures that "die out" with a feeble sound, linking the auditory imagery to disappointment.
The firework fizzled out before reaching the sky.
Their ambitious project fizzled due to lack of funding.
The soda can fizzled quietly after being opened for hours.
His speech started strong but fizzled into awkward silence.
The team’s early lead fizzled in the final minutes of the game.