1 B1 neutral
For the effect of a drug, substance, or treatment to gradually diminish and stop working.
"The anaesthetic started to wear off an hour after the operation."
inseparable
wear off
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
For an effect, feeling, or substance to gradually diminish and disappear over time.
In plain English
When a feeling or medicine slowly stops working and goes away.
What does "wear off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
For a feeling, enthusiasm, or novelty to gradually fade or disappear over time.
"The excitement of the new job began to wear off after a few weeks."
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
For a surface coating or marking to be removed through friction or use.
"The paint on the door handle had worn off over years of use."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For something to wear (rub) off a surface — extends naturally to effects that rub away with time.
Actually means
When a feeling or medicine slowly stops working and goes away.
Usage tip
Very commonly used with medication, anaesthetic, alcohol, novelty, excitement, or charm. Almost always intransitive. Universal in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "wear off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
anaesthetic effect novelty charm medication excitement pain relief alcohol
How to conjugate "wear off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wear off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears off
he/she/it
Past simple
wore off
yesterday
Past participle
worn off
have + pp
-ing form
wearing off
continuous
Hear "wear off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wear off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.