deflate meaning and definition

DEFLATE verb

Definition of deflate (verb)

1. collapse by releasing contained air or gas
   • "deflate a balloon"
2. release contained air or gas from
   • "deflate the air mattress"
3. reduce or lessen the size or importance of
   • "The bad review of his work deflated his self-confidence"
   • synonyms: puncture
4. produce deflation in
   • "The new measures deflated the economy"
   • antonym: inflate
5. reduce or cut back the amount or availability of, creating a decline in value or prices
   • "deflate the currency"
   • antonym: inflate
6. become deflated or flaccid, as by losing air
   • "The balloons deflated"
   • antonym: blow up