burn out

The term "burn out" can describe emotional exhaustion from stress, mechanical failure, or destruction by fire.

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Definition

B2Psychology

(common, informal)To become extremely tired and lose motivation due to prolonged stress or overwork.

Example

  • After years of working long hours, she finally burned out and had to take a break.
  • Many teachers experience burn out due to the demands of their job.

B2Mechanics

(technical)To stop functioning because of excessive use or overheating, often referring to machinery or electrical devices.

Example

  • The motor burned out after running continuously for several hours.
  • Make sure not to leave the lights on all night, or the bulbs might burn out.

B1Fire

(general)To be destroyed by fire, often leaving only ashes.

Example

  • The old building burned out completely, leaving nothing but rubble.
  • The campfire burned out after we ran out of wood.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "burn out":

burnt outflame outburn inbore outwear outburn upburn offburn downblow outbomb outspark outbrown outcrash outfire outfizzle outsuicide burnburn awaydie outworn outcrap outrun outconk outspin outpoop outbat outgo up in flamesstress output outweary outmelt downblown outburn the candle at both endssputter outfall outfeel the burnbust outstall outgassed outgo up in smokeburn timecatch firefag outcook offfade outnervous breakdownwearied out