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wear off

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When a feeling or medicine slowly stops working and goes away.

Literal meaning: For something to wear (rub) off a surface — extends naturally to effects that rub away with time.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very commonly used with medication, anaesthetic, alcohol, novelty, excitement, or charm. Almost always intransitive. Universal in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

anaesthetic effect novelty charm medication excitement pain relief alcohol

Forms

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

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