inflates; inflated; inflating
1 a [+ object] : to add air or gas to (something, such as a tire or a balloon) and make it larger
We used a pump to inflate the raft.
inflate [=blow up] a balloon
b [no object] : to become larger by being filled with air or gas
The balloon slowly inflated.
— opposite DEFLATE
2 [+ object]
a : to think or say that (something) is larger or more important than it really is
His memoirs inflate [=exaggerate] his contributions to the war effort.
b : to cause (a person's ego, reputation, etc.) to become too large or great
All the publicity was inflating his ego. [=was making him too proud and conceited]
3 : to increase prices, costs, etc., in a way that is not normal or expected
[+ object]
Economists warn that rapid economic growth could inflate prices.
Increased competition has inflated salaries among professional athletes.
[no object]
Rapid economic growth may cause prices to inflate.