fizzle v. i. (past & past part. fizzled; pres. part. fizzling)
1.
To make a hissing sound. "It is the easiest thing, sir, to be done, As plain as fizzling."
2.
To make a ridiculous failure in an undertaking, especially after a good start; to achieve nothing. (Colloq. or Low) "A four-day rally in stocks fizzled yesterday amid renewed fears that strong economic growth may prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates."
To fizzle out, to burn with a hissing noise and then go out, like wet gunpowder; hence: to fail completely and ridiculously; to prove a failure. (Colloq.)
... you mean to tell me the whole damn thing's goin' to fizzle out this way, King? I want something done, I tell you—I want something done! I didn't ... — The Rustler of Wind River • G. W. Ogden
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