wear off
wear off (phrasal verb)
/ˈwɛr ˌɔf/
Meaning
- Gradually decrease in strength, intensity, or effectiveness, especially of sensations, effects, or emotions.
- Slowly disappear or become less noticeable over time.
- Diminish after being initially strong or overwhelming.
- Fade or be removed due to continuous use or passage of time.
- Become ineffective or stop working, typically referring to medication or chemicals.
Synonyms: fade; diminish; subside; decline; weaken; vanish; erode.
Example Sentences
- The painkiller started to wear off after a few hours.
- His excitement began to wear off once the reality set in.
- The novelty of the new phone will wear off soon.
- The paint on the corners has begun to wear off.
- The drowsiness caused by the medicine will wear off in the morning.
Origin and History
The phrase “wear off” describes something that gradually decreases in intensity or effectiveness. Its roots are deeply embedded in the history of the English language, reflecting how words evolve to capture nuanced meanings.
The Evolution of “Wear”
To understand “wear off,” it’s helpful to look at the verb “wear” itself. The word “wear” traces back to Old English, where it meant “to clothe, put on, or cover up.” Imagine how clothing, through constant use, gradually thins or loses its original state. This concept of continuous use leading to a change or diminishing quality became associated with the word. By the late 13th century, “wear” began to also signify “to consume by frequent or habitual use.”
The Emergence of “Wear Off”
The specific phrasal verb “wear off,” meaning to diminish by use or to cease having an effect over time, began to appear in the English language around the late 17th century, specifically in the 1690s. This development likely stemmed from the existing understanding of “wear” as a process of gradual decline or consumption through use. The addition of “off” emphasizes the idea of a complete cessation or disappearance.
Country of Origin
Given its etymological journey through Old English and Middle English into modern English, the phrase “wear off” originated in England. The historical development of the English language provides the context for the phrase’s formation and usage.
Earliest Recorded Use
While it is established that the phrase “wear off” entered common usage in the late 1600s, specifically around the 1690s, an exact earliest printed record, such as a specific book title or document, is not readily available in public records. The timeframe of “late 1600s” or “1690s” marks its documented appearance in the English lexicon.
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