— fadable , adj. — fadedly , adv. — fadedness , n.
/fayd/ , v. , faded, fading , n.
v.i.
1. to lose brightness or vividness of color.
2. to become dim, as light, or lose brightness of illumination.
3. to lose freshness, vigor, strength, or health: The tulips have faded.
4. to disappear or die gradually (often fol. by away or out ): His anger faded away.
5. Motion Pictures , Television.
a. to appear gradually, esp. by becoming lighter (usually fol. by in ).
b. to disappear gradually, esp. by becoming darker (usually fol. by out ).
6. Broadcasting , Recording.
a. to increase gradually in volume of sound, as in recording or broadcasting music, dialogue, etc. (usually fol. by in ).
b. to decrease gradually in volume of sound (usually fol. by out ).
7. Football. (of an offensive back, esp. a quarterback) to move back toward one's own goal line, usually with the intent to pass, after receiving the snapback from center or a hand-off or lateral pass behind the line of scrimmage (usually fol. by back ): The quarterback was tackled while fading back for a pass.
8. (of an automotive brake) to undergo brake fade.
v.t.
9. to cause to fade: Sunshine faded the drapes.
10. (in dice throwing) to make a wager against (the caster).
11. Motion Pictures , Television.
a. to cause (a scene) to appear gradually (usually fol. by in ).
b. to cause (a scene) to disappear gradually (usually fol. by out ).
12. Broadcasting , Recording. to cause (the volume of sound) to increase or decrease gradually (usually fol. by in or out ).
n.
13. an act or instance of fading.
14. Motion Pictures , Television Informal. a fade-out.
15. Auto. See brake fade .
[ 1275-1325; 1915-20 for def. 5; ME faden, deriv. of fade pale, dull fatidus, for L fatuus FATUOUS ]
Syn. 4. See disappear .