Words / B2

dee-FLAYT/ˌdiːˈfleɪt/

To deflate here is to let air or gas out of something so that it becomes smaller or softer: deflate a tyre; a deflated ball. Inflate is the twin; puncture is accidental damage. Deflate the tyre to the named psi in the method. Mix-up: deflate vs inflate; the “hurt feelings” sense and the prices sense — use those only if the source names morale or an index; do not write deflate for folding a solid object.

Meaning

To let air or gas out of something so that it becomes smaller or softer.

Examples

• “Deflate the tyre to the named psi in the method, not a caption about “hurt feelings”.”
• “A deflated raft featured in the H&S case, which is still a named leak — quote the pressure if given.”

Good to know

deflate a tyre / ball / raft. Twin: inflate. Close: puncture. Trap: hurt feelings / falling prices unless the source uses those senses. DT and PE. Let the air out — quote psi.

Near in meaning

let down, empty of air, collapse

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