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deflate Definition

de·flate (dē flāt′, di-)

transitive verb, intransitive verb deflated -·flat′ed, deflating -·flat′·ing

  1. to collapse by letting out air or gas to deflate a tire
  2. to make or become smaller or less important
  3. to cause deflation of (currency, prices, etc.)

Etymology: de- + (in)flate

Related Forms:

deflate Synonyms

deflate

v.

collapse, let the air out, flatten, discourage; see contract 1, decrease 1, 2, discourage 1, empty 1, 2, humble. See syn. study at contract.

deflate Usage Examples

Object

  • economy: To deflate the economy means to set out to deliberately reduce the level of economic activity.
  • price: Many sellers are nervous that management have kept back good news so as to deflate the purchase price.

Modifying Another Word

  • gently: It did not cause it to burst but rather to deflate gently.