deflate

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈfleɪt/

verb

[with object]
  • 1let air or gas out of (a tyre, balloon, or similar object): he deflated one of the tyres
  • [no object] be emptied of air or gas: the balloon deflated
  • 2make (someone) suddenly lose confidence or feel dispirited: (as adjective deflated) the news left him feeling utterly deflated
  • reduce the level of (an emotion or feeling): her anger was deflated
  • 3 Economics bring about a general reduction of price levels in (an economy): the budget deflated the economy [no object]: the government deflated sharply in 1964

Derivatives

deflator

noun

Origin:

late 19th century: from de- (expressing reversal) + -flate (as in inflate)