(~s, puncturing, ~d)
1.
A ~ is a small hole in a car tyre or bicycle tyre that has been made by a sharp object.
Somebody helped me mend the ~.
...a tyre that has a slow ~.
N-COUNT
2.
A ~ is a small hole in someone’s skin that has been made by or with a sharp object.
An instrument called a trocar makes a ~ in the abdominal wall.
N-COUNT
3.
If a sharp object ~s something, it makes a hole in it.
The bullet ~d the skull.
VERB: V n
4.
If a car tyre or bicycle tyre ~s or if something ~s it, a hole is made in the tyre.
The tyre is guaranteed never to ~ or go flat...
He ~d a tyre in the last lap.
VERB: V, V n
5.
If someone’s feelings or beliefs are ~d, their feelings or beliefs are made to seem wrong or foolish, especially when this makes the person feel disappointed or upset.
His enthusiasm for fishing had been ~d by the sight of what he might catch.
= deflate
VERB: be V-ed, also V n