deflate

[dih-fleyt]

verb (used with object)

deflated, deflating 

1. to release the air or gas from (something inflated, as a balloon).

   They deflated the tires slightly to allow the truck to drive under the overpass.

2. to depress or reduce (a person or a person's ego, hopes, spirits, etc.); puncture; dash.

   Her rebuff thoroughly deflated me.

3. to reduce (currency, prices, etc.) from an inflated condition; to affect with deflation.

verb (used without object)

deflated, deflating 

1. to become deflated.

deflate

/ dɪˈfleɪt /

verb

1. to collapse or cause to collapse through the release of gas

2. (tr) to take away the self-esteem or conceit from

3. economics to cause deflation of (an economy, the money supply, etc)

Other Word Forms

• deflator noun
• self-deflated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflate¹

1890–95; < Latin dēflātus blown off, away (past participle of dēflāre ), equivalent to dē- de- + fl ( āre ) to blow + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflate¹

C19: from _de- + ( _in ) _flate

Example Sentences

The deflated expression on his face is priceless when he advises his lost “reporters” to rely on the Five Ws of reporting, and one asks, “Is that a gang?”

From Los Angeles Times

The deflated British party began their arduous return journey to their base.

From BBC

Instead, they watched their main character deflate before their eyes, like a sad-clown balloon at the end of a long day at the theme park.

From Salon

That moment she captured on camera was a deflating disappointment.

From Los Angeles Times

"Mostly, I felt deflated," Nell says of her reaction to seeing the changes, having planned to apply for next year's programme.

From BBC

Related Words

• depress 
• diminish 
• exhaust