"gradual, planned removal or elimination," 1958, from the verbal phrase (1954; see phase (v.)).
Entries linking to phase-out
phase v.
"to synchronize, adjust the phase of so as to synchronize," 1895, from phase (n.) in the physics sense of "particular stage or point in a recurring sequence of movement or changes" (1861). Earlier as a bad spelling of faze. Meaning "to carry out gradually" is from 1949, hence phase in "introduce gradually" (1954), phase out "take out gradually in planned stages" (1954). Related: Phased; phasing.