inflate

verb

in·​flate in-ˈflāt 

inflated; inflating

transitive verb

1

: to swell or distend with air or gas

2

: to puff up : elate

inflate one's ego

3

: to expand or increase abnormally or imprudently

intransitive verb

: to become inflated

inflator noun

or inflater

in-ˈflā-tər 

Choose the Right Synonym for inflate

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume.

expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Examples of inflate in a Sentence

We used a pump to inflate the raft.

Economists warn that rapid economic growth could inflate prices.

Increased competition has inflated salaries among professional athletes.

Rapid economic growth may cause prices to inflate.

Recent Examples on the Web

New York Attorney General Letitia James won a $454 million judgment against Trump for inflating his assets in loan applications. —Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

The group ogled the glassy expanse of water and the snowcapped mountains beyond, and then got to inflating the kayaks, which slowly wheezed to life. —Meg Bernhard, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

In October, a federal jury in Kansas City challenged this stance and found that the association and several brokerages had purposefully inflated real estate commissions and ordered them to pay $1.8 billion. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2024

Prices for materials and heavy equipment have been inflated because of the weak yen and Russia’s war against Ukraine. —Takashi Mochizuki, Fortune Asia, 15 Apr. 2024

The Splashin' Kids tummy time water mat easily inflates to full size, but when not in use, the mat deflates and folds away. —Maya Polton, Parents, 6 Apr. 2024

The need for the bond arose from a case brought against Trump by the New York attorney general, who accused him of fraudulently inflating his net worth to get favorable loans and other benefits. —Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 5 Apr. 2024

Democrats believe Kennedy's polling is inflated by his famous last name − arguably the most iconic brand in Democratic politics − and from avoiding heavy scrutiny until recently. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

The attorney general ultimately sued Mr. Trump and several associates, including Mr. Weisselberg, accusing them of inflating his financial statements in order to receive better loan terms. —Ben Protess, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare, from in- + flare to blow — more at blow

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

inflate

verb

in·​flate in-ˈflāt 

inflated; inflating

1

: to swell or fill with air or gas

inflate a balloon

2

: to increase abnormally

inflated prices

inflatable

-ə-bəl

adjective

Medical Definition

inflate

verb

in·​flate in-ˈflāt 

inflated; inflating

transitive verb

: to swell or distend with air or gas

inflate the lungs

intransitive verb

: to become inflated

inflation

in-ˈflā-shən 

noun