Other

deflate

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfleɪt/

Definition of deflate

[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

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

Definition of deflate in the US English dictionary

Nearby words