DIE

v. (dies, died, dying) 1 intr. (often foll. by of) (of a person, animal, or plant) cease to live; expire, lose vital force (died of hunger). 2 intr. a come to an end, cease to exist, fade away (the project died within six months). b cease to function; break down (the engine died). c (of a flame) go out. 3 intr. (foll. by on) die or cease to function while in the presence or charge of (a person). 4 intr. (usu. foll. by of, from, with) be exhausted or tormented (nearly died of boredom; was dying from the heat). 5 tr. suffer (a specified death) (died a natural death). øbe dying (foll. by for, or to + infin.) wish for longingly or intently (was dying for a drink; am dying to see you). die away become weaker or fainter to the point of extinction. die-away adj. languishing. die back (of a plant) decay from the tip towards the root. die down become less loud or strong. die hard die reluctantly, not without a struggle (old habits die hard). die-hard n. a conservative or stubborn person. die out become extinct, cease to exist. never say die keep up courage, not give in. [ME, prob. f. ON deyja f. Gmc]