də̇ˈflāt, (ˈ)dēˈ-, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: de- + -flate (as in inflate )
transitive verb
1. : to release air or gas from (as a balloon or a tire) — opposed to inflate
2. : to reduce in size or importance : puncture
deflate a reputation
deflated hopes
deflate pomposity
3. : to reduce (a price level) or contract (a volume of credit) especially from an abnormally high level
intransitive verb
: to lose firmness through the escape of air or gas (as of a balloon) : collapse , sag
Synonyms: see contract