Word
deflate
Phoneticsde·flate, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈfɫeɪt/
UK/diːflˈeɪt/
Definition
v. to let air or gas out of something like a balloon or tyre, so it becomes smaller and flat. You also use it when someone suddenly feels less confident or excited.
v. to release air or gas from an inflated object, causing it to shrink or collapse. Extended to abstract contexts, to reduce the size, value, or confidence associated with something.
Examples
“I deflate the air mattress after guests leave.”
“The mechanic noticed the tyre was overfilled and deflated it slightly before the long drive.”
“The unexpected criticism seemed to deflate his enthusiasm for the project he had championed for months.”
Examples
simple
“I deflate the air mattress after guests leave.”
contextual
“The mechanic noticed the tyre was overfilled and deflated it slightly before the long drive.”
complex
“The unexpected criticism seemed to deflate his enthusiasm for the project he had championed for months.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “deflate” in context.
Verb
01. airbed deflates
“The airbed deflates overnight if the valve is not closed properly.”
noun + verb
02. ball deflates
“The football bounces badly when the ball deflates even slightly.”
noun + verb
03. deflate balloon
“The children helped deflate the balloons after the party ended.”
verb + noun
04. deflate confidence
“The poor test result seemed to deflate her confidence.”
verb + noun
05. deflate ego
“Losing the final helped deflate his ego a little.”
verb + noun
06. deflate tyre
“He had to deflate the tyre slightly to drive on soft sand.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. completely deflate
“Press the valve to completely deflate the airbed before folding it.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. deflate on impact
“The airbag is designed to deflate on impact to protect passengers.”
verb + prep + noun
09. deflate confidence quickly
“One bad review can deflate confidence quickly.”
10. deflate someone's ego
“His harsh criticism quickly deflated her ego in front of everyone.”
11. feel deflated after defeat
“The whole team felt deflated after defeat in the final minute.”
12. fully deflate the balloon
“Make sure you fully deflate the balloon before you pack it away.”
Usage
Transitive and takes a direct object; also used figuratively with abstract nouns such as confidence, ego, or prices.
Real-World Examples
“High-speed video showed that the valves inflate like a parachute on the downstroke, functioning as pistons to apply downward pumping pressure on the venom in the chamber, then deflate on the upstroke.” “Jones said Sterling appeared keen to move a deflated balloon from beside him on to the back seat.” “Little wonder, after leading United back to the Champions League so unexpectedly last season, Carrick is presiding over a club whose supporters feel deflated, even if he does not recognise that.” “The boat had travelled between Calais and the UK and was deflating when it was picked up by border force vessels.” Etymology
From de- + (in)flate. Coined in 1891, in reference to balloons. Equivalent to Latin dē- (“away, from”) + Latin flō (“blow”) + -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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