from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
fizzle \fiz"zle\ (f[i^]z"z'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {fizzled}
(f[i^]z"z'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {fizzling} (f[i^]z"zl[i^]ng).]
[See {Fizz}.]
1. To make a hissing sound.
[1913 Webster]
It is the easiest thing, sir, to be done,
As plain as fizzling. --B. Jonson.
[1913 Webster]
2. To make a ridiculous failure in an undertaking, especially
after a good start; to achieve nothing. [Colloq. or Low]
[1913 Webster +PJC]
A four-day rally in stocks fizzled yesterday amid
renewed fears that strong economic growth may prompt
the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.
--Sharon R.
King (N. Y.
Times, May 6,
1998).
[PJC]
{To fizzle out}, to burn with a hissing noise and then go
out, like wet gunpowder; hence: to fail completely and
ridiculously; to prove a failure. [Colloq.]
[1913 Webster]