deflate — To let air or gas out of something, or to reduce someone's confidence, enthusiasm, or pride.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To let air or gas out of something, or to reduce someone's confidence, enthusiasm, or pride.
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈfleɪt/
Example Sentences
- The superhero's cape got deflated when it got caught in the revolving door.
- His confidence completely deflated when he realized he'd been wearing his shirt inside out all day.
- The teacher's stern look instantly deflated the students' excitement about the field trip.
deflate
VERB[/dɪˈfleɪt/]
To let air or gas out of something, or to reduce someone's confidence, enthusiasm, or pride.
Hearing the harsh criticism, the proud chef's confidence completely deflated like a broken balloon.
DE(out) + FLATE(blow) — letting the strong air FLATE(blow) completely DE(out) of the tire, the mechanic made it totally deflate.
Crashing hard into the sharp iron gate, the bouncy sports ball began to quickly deflate.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'deflatus', meaning 'to blow down' or 'to blow away'. The word originally described the physical act of releasing air from something, but evolved to include metaphorical meanings like reducing confidence or economic values.
Breakdown
de- (down/away) + flat- (blow) + -e (verb ending)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“The superhero's cape got deflated when it got caught in the revolving door.”
“His confidence completely deflated when he realized he'd been wearing his shirt inside out all day.”
“The teacher's stern look instantly deflated the students' excitement about the field trip.”
“The economic crisis deflated property values across the country.”
📚Related Words
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