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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chan frequently cashed out management, sick and vacation hours, which inflated his total wages to among the highest in the state for city employees. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025 The turnaround plan also has included reworking pricing of Jeep SUVs, which inflated in recent years above market norms, and re-engaging with its alienated dealer network amid a lack of new products and declining sales. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 The biggest addition is the inclusion of two separate two-way floor pumps, allowing two different people to inflate the tent simultaneously. New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025 Given the role that Wall Street’s élite played in inflating and promoting the bubble, this is either a generous view or a jaded commentary on the fallen nature of mankind. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflate

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on inflate

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