to let air or gas out of something, usually in a slow and controlled way, to reduce the level or amount of something

deflate someone's ego, deflate a crisis, deflate expectations

Formal and Informal Expressions of deflate

In different contexts, you can replace 'deflate' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'reduce, depress' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'let the air out of, take the wind out of someone's sails' is a commonplace synonym.

deflate: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for deflate

Antonyms for deflate

inflate
expand
blow up

Phrases with deflate

deflate someone's ego
to make someone feel less important or proud
Example
His boss deflated his ego by criticizing his work in front of everyone.
deflate a crisis
to reduce the intensity or severity of a crisis
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'

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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.