fizzle

Definition

To sputter or hiss.

Etymology

Attested in English since 1525-35. From earlier fysel (“to fart”). Related to fīsa (“to fart”). Compare with Swedish fisa (“to fart (silently)”). See also feist. It could also come from old Norse: "fise" simply means "blow," like in "blow in the wind." A weather-exposed community in Rogaland, Norway, is called Fister. (In modern language, the verb "fisle" has the same 3 meanings as in English, see below.)

Example Sentences

• "The soda fizzled for several minutes after it was poured."
• "It is the easest thing, sir, to be done, / As plain as fizzling."
• "The entire project fizzled after the founder quit."