flatten

flat·ten

verb \ˈfla-t^ən\

flat·tenedflat·ten·ing\ˈflat-niŋ, ˈfla-tə-\

Definition of FLATTEN

transitive verb

: to make flat: as a : to make level or smooth b : to knock down; also : to defeat decisively c : to make dull or uninspired —often used with out d : to make (as paint) lusterless e : to stabilize especially at a lower level

intransitive verb

: to become flat or flatter: as a : to become dull or spiritless b : to extend in or into a flat position or form c : to become uniform or stabilized often at a new lower level —usually used with out

— flat·ten·er \-nər\ noun

Examples of FLATTEN

1. Dozens of houses were flattened by the tornado.
2. The boxer was flattened in the seventh round.
3. The team got flattened in the first round of the play-offs.
4. Prices are expected to flatten after the holiday shopping season.

First Known Use of FLATTEN

1630

Related to FLATTEN

Synonyms: even, level, plane, smooth, smoothen

Antonyms: rough, roughen

Related Words: clip, crop, pare, prune, shave, trim; lay, press, spread; card, comb, rake; surface

Near Antonyms: coarsen, rumple, wrinkle; bend, kink; dent, pit

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with FLATTEN

batten, fatten, gratin, Grattan, Latin, latten, matin, paten, patten, Patton, platan, platen, ratton, satin, statin