Flatten

/ˈflætən/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to make (something) flat or flatter.
She used a rolling pin to flatten the dough before baking.
to reduce in size or stature; to make less prominent.
The construction workers had to flatten the area before laying the foundation.
to defeat decisively.
The team flattened their rivals in the championship game.
to remove the depth and perspective from (a design or image).
The graphic designer decided to flatten the image for a more minimalist look.
to bring to a state of uniformity or simplicity.
The software update aims to flatten the user interface for a better user experience.

Etymology

Middle English 'flatthen', from 'flat' + '-en' (verb-forming suffix).

Common Phrases and Expressions

flatten the curve
To reduce the rate of new cases in an epidemic.
flatten one's ego
To humble or lessen someone's pride or self-importance.
flatten out
To become less intense or to stabilize.

Related Words

flat
having a level surface; not raised or lowered.
flattener
a tool or person that flattens something.
flattening
the process of making something flat.

Slang Meanings

To defeat or overpower someone decisively.
He flattened his opponent in the first round.
To exhaust someone completely.
That workout really flattened me!