Taper off
verb
To gradually decrease or diminish.
As the storm moved away, the rainfall began to taper off.
Often appears as...
- traffic tapers off
- demand tapers off
verb
To slowly stop using something, especially a drug.
She is currently undergoing treatment to taper off her reliance on sleeping pills.
Often appears as...
- taper off medication
- taper off drugs
Usage tips
Medical
verb
To gradually decrease or diminish.
As the storm moved away, the rainfall began to taper off.
Often appears as...
- traffic tapers off
- demand tapers off
verb
To slowly stop using something, especially a drug.
She is currently undergoing treatment to taper off her reliance on sleeping pills.
Often appears as...
- taper off medication
- taper off drugs
Usage tips
Medical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Decrease
Use 'taper off' to suggest a smooth, gradual reduction rather than an abrupt stop.
The chatter in the audience tapered off as the lights dimmed.
Pro Tip 2/3Natural Phenomena
'Taper off' is often used to describe natural events that slowly come to an end.
As night approached, the wind started to taper off.
Pro Tip 3/3Expectations
When something 'tapers off', it often implies a predictable decline in activity or interest.
After the holiday season, gift sales began to taper off.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Decrease
Use 'taper off' to suggest a smooth, gradual reduction rather than an abrupt stop.
The chatter in the audience tapered off as the lights dimmed.
Pro Tip 2/3Natural Phenomena
'Taper off' is often used to describe natural events that slowly come to an end.
As night approached, the wind started to taper off.
Pro Tip 3/3Expectations
When something 'tapers off', it often implies a predictable decline in activity or interest.
After the holiday season, gift sales began to taper off.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Decrease
Use 'taper off' to suggest a smooth, gradual reduction rather than an abrupt stop.
The chatter in the audience tapered off as the lights dimmed.
Pro Tip 2/3Natural Phenomena
'Taper off' is often used to describe natural events that slowly come to an end.
As night approached, the wind started to taper off.
Pro Tip 3/3Expectations
When something 'tapers off', it often implies a predictable decline in activity or interest.
After the holiday season, gift sales began to taper off.
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