Goong.com - New Generation Dictionary

wear someone out Meaning

Wear Someone Out

Definition: The phrase “wear someone out” means to exhaust or tire someone, either physically or emotionally. It can refer to the effects of sustained activity, pressure, or stress that leads to fatigue.

Usage: This phrase is often used in casual conversation to describe situations where a person feels drained or unable to continue due to excessive demands or effort. For example: “The long meeting really wore me out.”

Etymology: The phrase combines the verb “wear,” which originates from the Old English “werian,” meaning to use up or consume, and “out,” indicating the end result of this process. Over time, the figurative use of “wear out” evolved to encompass not only the physical component but also emotional and mental states of exhaustion.

Pronunciation: /wɛr ˈsʌmwʌn aʊt/

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

In summary, to “wear someone out” refers to causing someone to become extremely tired or fatigued, and it can apply to various contexts, including physical activity, work stress, or emotional demands.

  1. The long hike in the mountains really began to wear someone out by the end of the day.
  2. Her endless questions during the meeting can easily wear someone out.
  3. Constantly dealing with difficult customers can wear someone out quickly.
  4. The intense training schedule might wear someone out before the big competition.
  5. Trying to keep up with his energetic kids can wear someone out after a few hours.

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