fizzle

Short definition from Wiktionary

Verb

1. 1
   To sputter or hiss.
2. 2
   To decay or die off to nothing; to burn out; to end less successfully than previously hoped.
3. 3
   To fail to generate the expected yield when exploded during testing.

Noun

1. 1
   A spluttering or hissing sound.
2. 2
   Failure of an exploding nuclear bomb to meet its expected yield during testing.
3. 3
   An abortive effort; a flop or dud.
4. 4
   A state of agitation or worry.