Hypertext Webster Gateway: "deflate"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Deflate \De*flate"\, v. t. [Pref. de- down + L. flare, flatus to
blow.]
To reduce from an inflated condition.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
deflate
v 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" [syn: {puncture}]
4: produce deflation in; "The new measures deflated the
economy" [ant: {inflate}]
5: reduce or cut back the amount or availability of, creating a
decline in value or prices; "deflate the currency" [ant: {inflate}]
6: become deflated or flaccid, as by losing air; "The balloons
deflated" [ant: {inflate}]
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