See Also: deflate(dictionary)
deflate(dictionary)

deflate (iou)



deflate verb. L19.
[from DE- 3 + -flate of INFLATE verb.]
verb trans. Release the air or gas from (something inflated). L19.
H. James The train the cyclist takes when his tyre's deflated.
b. verb intrans. Of an inflated object: go down, become emptied of the inflating air or gas. E20.
verb trans. Reduce the size or importance of; depreciate, debunk; cause to lose conceitedness or confidence. E20.
H. G. Wells My disposition to deflate the reputation of Marx. N. Coward There's nothing more deflating than telling someone some exciting news and discovering that they already know it. E. Reveley Adrian's bitchiness had entirely deflated her sense of well-being.
b. verb intrans. Lose one's spirit, confidence, etc.; climb down. E20.
verb trans. Economics. Reduce the inflation of (a currency). E20.
b. verb intrans. Pursue a policy of deflation. Also, become reduced by deflation. E20.
deflater, deflator noun a person who or thing which deflates L19.