wear out

Definitions

1. 1

   To cause (something) to become damaged, useless, or ineffective through continued use,…

   To cause (something) to become damaged, useless, or ineffective through continued use, especially hard, heavy, or careless use.

   • You're going to wear out that game if you keep playing so rough with it.
   • He wears a pair of tennis shoes out every summer.
2. 2

   To deteriorate or become unusable or ineffective due to continued use, exposure, or…

   To deteriorate or become unusable or ineffective due to continued use, exposure, or strain.

   • The old tractor finally wore out.
   • My shoes wear out quickly now that I walk to work.
   • Mr. Simpson adds that the station at Stanmore appears practically unchanged from the time of its opening, even to the L.N.W.R. rubber doormat, which "shows no signs of wearing out."
3. 3

   To exhaust

   To exhaust; to cause or contribute to another's exhaustion, fatigue, or weariness, as by continued strain or exertion.

   • You kids are wearing me out!
   • Trying to keep up with politics wears me out.
   • Our physical advantage allowed us to wear the other team out and win.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To become exhausted, tired, fatigued, or weary, as by continued strain or exertion.

      • I'm wearing out, guys. Time to go to sleep.
      • They built our railways, but they wore themselves out in the process.
   2. 5

      Of apparel, to display in public.

      • Those sweatpants are great for loafing around the house, but they're not meant to be worn out.
   3. 6

      Of a shirt, to not tuck into the pants

      Of a shirt, to not tuck into the pants; to wear in a casual manner.

      • A dress shirt should be tucked in, but a t-shirt can be worn out.
   4. 7

      To punish by spanking.

The neighborhood