deflate
|de-flate|
/dɪˈfleɪt/
reduce air or importance
Etymology
'deflate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deflare,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'flare' meant 'to blow.'
'deflare' transformed into the French word 'déflater,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deflate' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to blow down,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'letting air out' and 'reducing importance.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to let the air or gas out of something, causing it to become smaller or less firm.
He deflated the balloon by letting the air out.
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Verb 2
to reduce the importance or confidence of someone or something.
The criticism deflated his ego.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40