deflate Definition
- 1to let air or gas out of something, usually in a slow and controlled way
- 2to reduce the level or amount of something
Using deflate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deflate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He deflated the balloon with a pin.
Example
The company's profits have deflated in recent years.
Example
The team's morale was deflated after losing the game.
deflate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with deflate
Example
His boss deflated his ego by criticizing his work in front of everyone.
Example
The government's measures helped to deflate the economic crisis.
deflate expectations
to lower or reduce expectations
Example
The poor reviews deflated our expectations for the movie.
Origins of deflate
from Latin 'deflare', meaning 'to blow away'
Summary: deflate in Brief
To 'deflate' [dɪˈfleɪt] means to release air or gas from something, or to reduce the level or amount of something. Examples include 'He deflated the balloon with a pin,' and 'The company's profits have deflated in recent years.' Phrases like 'deflate someone's ego' and 'deflate expectations' denote reducing pride or lowering expectations.