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Deflating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deflating

[dษชหˆfleษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

reducing pressure

Deflating refers to the process of reducing the pressure of a gas, usually from an inflatable object like a tire or balloon. It can also refer to a decrease in value, confidence, or optimism.

Synonyms

let out, reducing, releasing.

Examples of usage

  • The mechanic is deflating the tire to repair it.
  • After the announcement, the stock market started deflating rapidly.
  • He felt his excitement deflating after hearing the bad news.
Context #2 | Verb

losing air

To deflate something means to let air out of an inflatable object, causing it to lose its shape or volume. This is often done purposefully to store the item.

Synonyms

compress, empty, squash.

Examples of usage

  • She is deflating the air mattress after camping.
  • He decided to deflate the balloon to carry it easily.
  • The children watched as the clown began deflating the giant balloon.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In emotional contexts, feelings can be described as deflating when one's hopes or excitement diminish, influencing mental well-being.
  • The concept of emotional deflation is often discussed in cognitive behavioral therapy, highlighting how expectations can lead to disappointment.

Economics

  • In economics, deflation refers to a decrease in the general price level of goods and services, which can impact spending and investment.
  • Deflation can lead to increased unemployment as businesses earn less money and must cut back.
  • Historical cases of severe deflation, like the Great Depression, had lasting effects on economies worldwide.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, the term is often used metaphorically, like when a character's confidence is deflated after a failure.
  • Songs sometimes reference 'deflating' emotions, capturing feelings of sadness or disappointment in relationships.

Science

  • Deflating objects, like balloons or tires, change pressure inside, demonstrating principles of physics such as air pressure and volume.
  • In weather terms, deflation also ties into meteorology, where air pressure changes affect storm systems and forecasts.

Origin of 'deflating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'deflare', meaning 'to blow away', which shows its link to air.
  • The prefix 'de-' suggests a reversal, while 'flate' relates to blowing up, illustrating the process of losing inflation.

The word 'deflate' comes from the Latin 'deflare', which means 'to blow down.' It is a combination of 'de-', meaning 'down' or 'away,' and 'flare', meaning 'to blow.' The term was first used in the early 20th century, primarily in the context of reducing pressure in inflated objects like tires and balloons. Over time, the meaning extended to other contexts, including economics, where it describes a decrease in the level of prices or economic activity. The concept of deflation in finance is particularly important when discussing inflation rates and monetary policy.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,414 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.