Deflate
/dɪˈfleɪt/noun
To reduce in size, volume, or pressure by releasing gas or air.
Did you know?The prefix 'de-' suggests a reversal or undoing, hinting at the magical act of diminishing what once was full or powerful.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
deflare
“to blow down or away”
Middle English
Middle English
deflaten
“to let out air or gas, causing a decrease in size”
17th Century
English
deflate
“to cause to collapse or fall in by removing air or pressure”
Modern English
English
deflate
“to reduce in size or importance, especially by removing air or pressure”