deflate
To cause someone to lose confidence or feel less important
Examples
In a meeting
“The critical feedback deflated his enthusiasm for the project.”
Over coffee
“Her sarcastic comment really deflated his excitement about the trip.”
Why this word
reduce
Deflate specifically means to remove air/gas or diminish confidence, while reduce is general decrease
shrink
Deflate implies active removal of contents or ego, while shrink can happen passively
discourage
Deflate emphasizes puncturing inflated pride or enthusiasm, while discourage is broader demotivation
Usage tip
Use when describing actions that diminish someone's confidence or excitement. Can apply to egos or morale. Less severe than 'demoralize.'
Etymology
Latin 'de-' (down, away) + 'flare' (to blow)
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Related words
apprehensive
Anxious or worried about something that may happen in the future
evoke
To bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind
resent
To feel bitterness or indignation toward something or someone
placate
To make someone less angry or hostile through appeasement
demoralize
To cause someone to lose confidence or hope
endear
To cause to be loved or liked