Definition

Verb (Phrasal Verb): 1. To gradually diminish, decrease, or disappear: To lose strength, intensity, or effect over a period of time. 2. To be removed or eroded through friction or use: To become thinner, smoother, or less distinct due to repeated contact or abrasion.

Usage and Examples

• The effects of the painkiller will wear off in about four hours.
• The novelty of the new toy quickly wore off, and the child lost interest.
• The paint on the sign has worn off after years of exposure to the weather.
• My initial excitement about the move began to wear off as the reality of packing set in.

Advanced Usage

• "to wear off on someone": (Idiomatic) To gradually influence someone through close association.
  • His positive attitude is starting to wear off on the rest of the team.

Variants and Related Words

• Wear away (phrasal verb): To gradually remove or be removed by friction, erosion, or use. Often used more for physical erosion.
  • The river wore away the rock over centuries.
• Wear out (phrasal verb): To use something so much that it becomes unfit for use; to exhaust.
  • He wore out his shoes from running.
  • The long journey wore the children out.

Synonyms

• Fade: To lose brightness, loudness, or strength gradually.
• Subside: To become less intense, violent, or severe.
• Diminish: To make or become less.
• Erode: To be gradually worn away.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rub off: To be removed by rubbing; can be used similarly to "wear off" for transferred qualities (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• The shine wears off: Used to describe when something new and exciting loses its appeal and becomes ordinary.
  • After a few months, the shine wore off the new job and the daily routine became tedious.

Verb

1. diminish, as by friction
   • Erosion wore away the surface
2. deteriorate through use or stress
   • The constant friction wore out the cloth