deflate
/dɪˈfleɪt/
verb
- To let air or gas out of something that is filled, causing it to become smaller or less full.
- He used a pump to deflate the air mattress before packing it away.
- The mechanic had to deflate the tire to repair the puncture.
- Please deflate the balloons after the party so they don't take up space.
- To make someone feel less confident, proud, or important; to reduce someone's ego.
- The teacher's sarcastic comment deflated the student's excitement about his answer.
- Her harsh criticism completely deflated his enthusiasm for the project.
- Losing the game seemed to deflate the team's spirit for the rest of the season.
- To reduce the amount of money available in an economy, causing prices to fall or economic activity to slow down.
- If you deflate the currency too quickly, it can lead to a recession.
- The central bank decided to deflate the economy by raising interest rates.
- Governments sometimes try to deflate a bubble in housing prices.
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