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

rapid economic growth that inflates prices

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

Tariffs not only lead to additional import taxes, but by inflating the cost of the products, result in the need for importers to increase the value of customs bonds the government requires them to hold. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

Below, the most common moving mistakes that can inflate your bill and practical fixes for a smoother (and cheaper) move. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 Feb. 2026

An avalanche airbag backpack that inflates after the skier pulls the trigger giving the person a chance to stay above or close to the surface during an avalanche. —ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

Ahead of its official launch, the Tokyo Air Jordan 11 Retro is commanding premium aftermarket prices, although some of the asking prices may not be as inflated as expected. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for inflate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

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