What are the definitions of “wear off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop having an effect.
The anaesthetic WORE OFF and my tooth started hurting.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wear off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wear off is when something, such as a feeling or effect, gradually disappears or stops being effective. For example, it can refer to the fading of pain relief from medicine or the diminishing effect of a strong emotion.
What are the different verb forms of “wear off”?
| Root Verb | wear off |
| Third Person Singular Present | wears off |
| Present Participle | wearing off |
| Simple Past | wore off |
| Past Participle | worn off |
Example
The pain relief from the medicine will wear off in a few hours.
Example
The excitement of the new toy wears off quickly for children.
Example
The effects of the anesthesia are wearing off, and I can feel the pain again.
Example
The initial excitement of the trip wore off after a few days.
Example
The effects of the medication had worn off by the time she woke up.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wear off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“wear off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The painkiller started to wear off after a few hours.
Example
The novelty of the new game wore off quickly.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“wear off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The painkiller started to wear off after a few hours.
Example
The novelty of the new game wore off quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wear off”?
Good things to know
Does “wear off” have an informal or formal tone?
Wear off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or discussions.
