verb

deflate

dee-FLAYT

Deflate (verb) means to let air or gas out of something. Example: “He deflated the mattress before packing it away.”

verb

To let air or gas out of something.

"He deflated the mattress before packing it away."

"The tire slowly deflated overnight."

To make someone feel suddenly less confident or excited.

"The harsh review deflated her enthusiasm for the project."

To reduce the amount of money in circulation, lowering prices.

"The central bank's policy was designed to deflate an overheated economy."

How to use deflate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo let the air out of something — literally, or figuratively out of someone's confidence.

Common pairings

deflate a balloon deflate morale deflate the economy

Word forms

deflated past tense, deflates singular

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He _____ the mattress before packing it away.

Etymology

Coined around 1891 from de- + (in)flate, first used for balloons losing air.

· First attested 1891

Class of 1891 deflate joined the language around 1891.

alcoholic electron Munro

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Synonyms

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puncture

Antonyms

inflate

Related words

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Rhymes for deflate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for deflate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “deflate” mean?

The word “deflate” means to let air or gas out of something. In plain terms, to let the air out of something — literally, or figuratively out of someone's confidence.

How do you pronounce “deflate”?

“Deflate” is pronounced dee-FLAYT (/diːˈfleɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “deflate” in a sentence?

Here is “deflate” used in a sentence: “He deflated the mattress before packing it away.”

What is the opposite of “deflate”?

The opposite of “deflate” — its antonyms — is inflate.

What part of speech is “deflate”?

“Deflate” is a verb.

Where does the word “deflate” come from?

The word “deflate” dates back to around 1891. Coined around 1891 from de- + (in)flate, first used for balloons losing air.

How many meanings does “deflate” have?

“Deflate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to let air or gas out of something.

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