<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing; gradually come to an end (usually followed by out or away): The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion. The criticism seems to have petered out. The hearings petered to an inevitable conclusion.</li><li>to tire; become exhausted (usually followed by out): I began to peter out after walking about 2 miles.</li></ul>