sgonfiare

to deflate

verb zgon-FYAH-reh Rare

Also means

to let down

Usage Note

Sgonfiare literally means to deflate something inflated — sgonfiare una gomma (to deflate a tyre). Figuratively it means to deflate someone's ego or pride, or to debunk an exaggerated claim. The reflexive sgonfiarsi means to go flat or to deflate on its own. It takes avere as auxiliary in most uses.

Examples

"Il pallone si è sgonfiato durante la partita."

Natural Translation

The ball deflated during the match.

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