flameout
UK[ˈfleɪmaʊt]US[ˈfleɪmaʊt]
n
the failure of a jet engine in flight due to the extinction of the flame in the combustion chamber.
n
a sudden and complete failure, especially of a project or career.
Morpheme Breakdown
flame
out
flame
a flame, blaze
out
Etymology
the word 'flameout' is a modern compound, originating in the mid-20th century within the field of aviation. it literally describes the event where the flame within a jet engine goes 'out', leading to a loss of power. the term is constructed from two english elements: 'flame', tracing back to the latin 'flamma' for fire, and 'out', an old english adverb denoting a state of extinction or conclusion. this vivid, literal imagery of a fire extinguishing was subsequently adopted into broader usage to metaphorically describe any sudden and dramatic failure, effectively capturing the notion of something active and powerful coming to an abrupt end.
Analysis
Structure: flame + out
flame (from old english 'flamme', from latin 'flamma', meaning 'a flame, blaze') + out (from old english 'ūt', meaning 'outward, away, to an end', used here as an adverbial particle indicating cessation or failure).
Examples
the fighter jet experienced a flameout at high altitude but the pilot managed to restart the engine.
after his third unsuccessful startup, many considered him a victim of a spectacular entrepreneurial flameout.
the band's initial popularity was followed by a sudden flameout, and they disbanded within a year.