wear out
To use something until it breaks or doesn't work anymore, or to make someone very, very tired.
Meanings
To damage or destroy something through excessive use so that it can no longer be used.
"She wears out a pair of running shoes every three months."
To make someone extremely tired or to become extremely tired.
"Looking after four children all day completely wore me out."
To use something so frequently that it loses its impact, freshness, or value.
"He wore out that excuse long ago — nobody believes him anymore."
One of the most common and versatile 'wear' phrasal verbs. Used for both objects (shoes, machines) and people (becoming exhausted). Extremely common in everyday conversation in all English-speaking countries. Also used as an adjective (worn-out shoes / a worn-out excuse).
Commonly used with
Forms
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