deflate

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de laisser échapper l'air ou le gaz de quelque chose, ou de réduire la taille, l'importance ou la confiance.

A verb used to indicate the act of releasing air or gas from something, or reducing in size, importance, or confidence.

1. Release air or gasB1formal

   To cause something to become smaller by releasing the air or gas inside.

   dégonfler

   • He used a pump to deflate the air mattress.
   • The balloon slowly deflated after the party.
   • You need to deflate the tire before changing it.

   Synonymescollapseemptyflattenlet downlet outvent

   Antonymesblowexpandinflatepump

2. Reduce confidence or prideB2formal

   To make someone feel less confident, proud, or important.

   décontenancer, dégonfler (au sens figuré)

   • The criticism deflated his enthusiasm for the project.
   • Her harsh words deflated his ego completely.
   • The team's loss deflated their morale.

   Synonymesabashchastenflattenhumblehumiliatemortifysquashtake down

   Antonymesboostemboldenencourageinspire

3. Reduce economic valueC1formalbusiness

   To cause a reduction in the price or value of something, especially in an economy.

   Déprécier une valeur économique

   • The government took measures to deflate the currency.
   • Rising interest rates can deflate the housing market.
   • The economic crisis deflated stock prices significantly.

   Synonymescontractdepressdevaluelowerreduceshrink

   Antonymesinflatereflate