burn out

burn out

v. i.
  1. To burn till the fuel is exhausted; as, when the candle burned out the room was totally dark; the firefighters couldn't control the oil tank fire and had to let it burn out by itself.
  2. To stop functioning due to failure of some component caused by the heat of the electrical current used in its operation; -- of electrical devices.
  3. To become apathetic or depressed, and cease to function effectively, due to the fatigue and frustration of prolonged stress and overwork; -- of people; as, the stress in the bond market is so great that many traders burn out after only ten years on the job.