Definition of "burnout" []

• A failure in a device attributable to burning, excessive heat, or friction. (noun)
• Aerospace The termination of rocket or jet-engine operation because of fuel exhaustion or shutoff. (noun)
• Aerospace The point at which this termination occurs. (noun)
• Physical or emotional exhaustion, especially as a result of long-term stress or dissipation. (noun)
• One who is worn out physically or emotionally, as from long-term stress. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Today the term burnout, which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, is recognized in Europe and is a common concern among those who work in the medical or humanitarian aid fields."
• "So let's call it burnout, the slow burn of being smart enough to realize there's more to life than his heretofore-singular existence of hitting balls and dreaming of Nicklaus 'majors."
• "In his victory-lap news conference Thursday, Bush noted, The word 'burnout' is often times used in Washington."