1 B2 idiomatic informal
For a machine or electronic device to stop working properly or to behave unpredictably.
"The Wi-Fi router fritzed out right in the middle of my video call."
inseparable
fritz out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
For a machine or device to malfunction, behave erratically, or stop working.
In plain English
When a machine or gadget starts to work badly or stops working.
What does "fritz out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Primarily American English. 'On the fritz' (meaning broken or malfunctioning) is the related idiom. 'Fritz out' is used as a verb form. Casual and colloquial — not used in formal or technical writing.
Words that pair with "fritz out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
TV computer phone heating signal device
How to conjugate "fritz out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fritz out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fritzes out
he/she/it
Past simple
fritzed out
yesterday
Past participle
fritzed out
have + pp
-ing form
fritzing out
continuous
Hear "fritz out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fritz out"
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