wear out {v.} 1a. To use or wear until useless. * /Bobby got a toy truck that would run on a battery, and he used it so much that he soon wore it out./ * /The stockings are so worn out that they can't be mended any more./ Compare: GIVE OUT(4), USE UP. 1b. To become useless from use or wear. * /The old clock finally wore out./ * /One shoe wore out before the other./ 2. or[tire out] To make very tired; weaken. * /The children played inside when it rained, and they soon wore out their mother./ * /When Dick got home from the long walk, he was all worn out./ - Often used with "oneself". * /Don't wear yourself out by playing too hard./ Compare: GIVE OUT(4). 3. To make by rubbing, scraping, or washing. * /The waterfall has worn out a hole in the stone beneath it./