/fiz"euhl/ , v. , fizzled, fizzling , n.
v.i.
1. to make a hissing or sputtering sound, esp. one that dies out weakly.
2. Informal. to fail ignominiously after a good start (often fol. by out ): The reform movement fizzled out because of poor leadership.
n.
3. a fizzling, hissing, or sputtering.
4. Informal. a failure; fiasco.
[ 1525-35; earlier fysel to break wind, freq. of * fise fisa to break wind; akin to FEIST ]
Syn. 2. miscarry, collapse, founder.