deflate

//dɪˈfleɪt//
B2Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of deflate

Verb

deflateInfinitive
deflatePresent tense
deflatedPast tense
deflatedPast participle
deflatingPresent participle
deflatesThird-person singular
1

To release air or gas from something, causing it to become smaller or flatter.

He deflated the balloon after the party.

2

To become smaller or flatter by losing air or gas.

The balloon slowly deflated overnight.

Synonym

Antonym

Verb

deflateInfinitive
deflatePresent tense
deflatedPast tense
deflatedPast participle
deflatingPresent participle
deflatesThird-person singular
1

To reduce someone's confidence, enthusiasm, or sense of importance.

His harsh criticism deflated her enthusiasm for the project.

2

To reduce the level of economic activity, prices, or the money supply in an economy.

The central bank decided to deflate the economy by raising interest rates.

Antonym

deflate - Deep Vocabulary