noun
tapering
TAY-per-ing
Tapering (noun) means the act of reducing something in stages instead of stopping it suddenly, especially the dose of a drug. Example: “Tapering off antidepressants too quickly can bring on withdrawal symptoms.”
noun
1
The act of reducing something in stages instead of stopping it suddenly, especially the dose of a drug.
"Tapering off antidepressants too quickly can bring on withdrawal symptoms."
"Her doctor drew up a tapering schedule spread over three months."
2
sport In athletics, the planned reduction of training volume in the weeks before a race so the body arrives fresh.
"Tapering starts three weeks out from the marathon."
"He felt sluggish and restless during tapering, which is completely normal."
3
finance In economics, a central bank's gradual slowing of its bond-buying programme.
"Markets fell on the first hint of tapering."
"Tapering reduces new purchases; it does not sell what the bank already holds."
adjective
1
Growing steadily narrower towards one end.
"The tower has a tapering spire visible from the next valley."
How to use tapering
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCutting something down slowly instead of stopping all at once.
When to use it
Neutral; the specific meaning depends heavily on the field.
Memory tip
Never change a prescribed dose on your own; tapering plans come from a clinician.
Common pairings
tapering off
tapering schedule
slow taper
tapering period
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Can you complete this real example?
_____ off antidepressants too quickly can bring on withdrawal symptoms.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
abrupt cessation
Related words
Rhymes for tapering
peering
lowering
covering
offering
entering
altering
cheering
steering
uttering
ordering
towering
wavering
See all rhymes for tapering →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tapering and stopping cold turkey?
Tapering lowers a dose in planned steps so the body adjusts as it goes. Going cold turkey stops the substance entirely at once, which for drugs such as benzodiazepines, opioids or alcohol can be dangerous as well as unpleasant.
Why do runners taper before a race?
Hard training leaves accumulated fatigue that masks fitness. Cutting the volume, while keeping some intensity, lets muscles repair and glycogen stores refill, so the fitness already built can show up on race day.
What is the meaning of tapering?
"tapering" (noun) means the act of reducing something in stages instead of stopping it suddenly, especially the dose of a drug.
What is another word for tapering?
Other words for "tapering" include weaning, phasing out, winding down, step-down, narrowing, conical.
