I. ˈfizəl intransitive verb
( fizzled ; fizzled ; fizzling -z(ə)liŋ ; fizzles )
Etymology: probably alteration of fist to break wind (from Middle English fisten ) + -le — more at feist
1. obsolete : to break wind quietly
2. : to make a hissing or sputtering sound
had to drink it hot while it fizzled — C.T.Jackson
3. : to fail or peter out especially after a promising start : end feebly or lamely
the attempt at surrender having fizzled — P.W.Thompson
every coach knows the agony of watching a … rally fizzle — W.L.Myers
— often used with out
all attempts at friendliness seemed to fizzle out — Clive Arden
II. noun
( -s )
1. archaic : the act of breaking wind quietly
2. : hiss , sputter , fizz
3. : an abortive effort : failure , fiasco
the store was a ghastly fizzle — E.J.Kahn