inflate

verb

in·​flate in-ˈflāt How to pronounce inflate (audio)
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
inflator noun
or inflater
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 The National Association of Realtors has agreed to settle litigation that accused the industry group of artificially inflating real estate commissions, setting up a reconfiguration of the housing market that could dramatically lower how much consumers pay in home transactions. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 The suits have alleged that the organization inflated commissions by forcing sellers’ agents to make an upfront payment offer to buyers’ agents, and implementing rules that led to standard commissions across the industry. Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024 In another instance, Miller-Whitehead submitted a fraudulent application for a $250,000 business loan, fabricating bank statements to inflate his financial standing. Manahil Ahmad, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 The district had inflated that fund temporarily for the current school year in part to collect funds for a new community center at the former Browning School. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 The volume of content being churned out every day has skyrocketed, the life cycle of each piece of media has grown shorter and social media platforms continue to inflate public metrics, devaluing previously impressive online stats. Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 The home-finding company is aiming to allow users find rooms to rent as apartment rentals prices continue to inflate. Essence, 7 Mar. 2024 But Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, warned that the numbers might be inflated, saying some of those reported kidnapped could have gone willingly, even to join the militants. Ruth MacLean, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The National Association of Realtors and several national brokerage firms are facing multiple lawsuits alleging collusion to inflate real estate agent commissions. Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inflate

Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflate

verb
in·​flate in-ˈflāt How to pronounce inflate (audio)
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 How to pronounce inflate (audio)
inflated; inflating

transitive verb

: to swell or distend with air or gas
inflate the lungs
inflation noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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