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Definition of deflate

deflate

/dɪˈfleɪt/
de · flate
Adjective:deflationary
•
Past Simple:deflated
•
Past Participle:deflated
•
Present Participle:deflating
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deflate Lexical Profile

deflate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To let air or gas out of an inflated object, or to collapse by losing air or gas.

Example

"Make sure to deflate the air mattress completely before folding it back into its storage bag."

2

To cause someone to suddenly lose confidence, enthusiasm, or pride, or to become less confident or hopeful.

Example

"The harsh criticism from the judging panel did not deflate her enthusiasm for painting."

3

To reduce general price levels, credit, or the volume of currency in an economy.

Example

"The central bank raised interest rates in an effort to deflate the overheated housing market."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for deflate

• Nearby Words

definitively
definitiveness
definitude
deflate
deflated
deflation
deflationary

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century as a back-formation from "deflation" or modeled as the direct opposite of "inflate," combining the Latin prefix de- (down, out) with flare (to blow).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deflate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deflate
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