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.
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 pricesCompare disinflation
- geology the removal of loose rock material, sand, and dust by the wind
1891, “release of air,” from deflate + -ion. In reference to currency or economic situations, from 1920.
- 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.
A decrease in prices, often stated as an increase in the value of money, related to a decline in spending by consumers. (Compare inflation.)