deflation

[ dih-fley-shuh n ]
/ dɪˈfleɪ ʃən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR deflation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of deflating or the state of being deflated.
Economics. a fall in the general price level or a contraction of credit and available money (opposed to inflation). Compare disinflation.
the erosion of sand, soil, etc., by the action of the wind.

Origin of deflation

First recorded in 1890–95; deflate + -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM deflation

Words nearby deflation

definitive plumage, definitize, definitude, deflagrate, deflate, deflation, deflationary gap, deflationary spiral, deflect, deflected, deflecting force

Words related to deflation

decline, stagnation, collapse, slump, slide, inflation, downturn, bankruptcy, shakeout, unemployment, recession, shrinkage, reduction, decrease, bust, depression, undoing, humiliation, downfall, setback

Example sentences from the Web for deflation

British Dictionary definitions for deflation

deflation
/ (dɪˈfleɪʃən) /

noun

the act of deflating or state of being deflated
economics a reduction in the level of total spending and economic activity resulting in lower levels of output, employment, investment, trade, profits, and prices Compare disinflation
geology the removal of loose rock material, sand, and dust by the wind

Derived forms of deflation

deflationary, adjective deflationist, noun, adjective

Scientific definitions for deflation

deflation
[ dĭ-flā′shən ]

The lifting and removal of fine, dry particles of silt, soil, and sand by the wind. Deflation is common in deserts and in coastal areas that have sand dunes.

Cultural definitions for deflation

deflation

A decrease in prices, often stated as an increase in the value of money, related to a decline in spending by consumers. (Compare inflation.)