TAPER OFF

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does taper off mean? 

• TAPER OFF (verb)
  The verb TAPER OFF has 2 senses:

1. end weakly

2. become smaller or less active

  Familiarity information: TAPER OFF used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TAPER OFF (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

End weakly

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Synonyms:

fizzle; fizzle out; peter out; taper off

Context example:

The music just petered out--there was no proper ending

Hypernyms (to "taper off" is one way to...):

discontinue (come to or be at an end)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

Sense 2

Meaning:

Become smaller or less active

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Context example:

Business tapered off

Hypernyms (to "taper off" is one way to...):

contract; narrow (make or become more narrow or restricted)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s