Phrase guide

trail off

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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verb

Meaning 1

Of a phenomenon, voice, etc.: to slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume; also, to diminish more quickly over time.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

“So that’s why I’m, uh, refusing ... uh, to do that ...” He trailed off as he saw Mr. Winchester’s disapproving stare.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: peter, peter out

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

French: diminuer — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
French: s'éteindre — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
French: devenir moins audible — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
German: abschwächen — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: zanikać — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: zaniknąć — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: przekwitać — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: przekwitnąć — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: rozmywać się — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: rozmyć się — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: gasnąć — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume
Polish: zgasnąć — slowly diminish in frequency, intensity, or volume

Word forms

Inflections and variants

trails off — present, singular, third-person
trailing off — participle, present
trailed off — participle, past
trailed off — past
trail away — alternative

Word family

Derived and related words

Derived: none provided

Related: none provided

Semantic map

Other relationships

Sources

Where this information comes from

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