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

If you say that someone inflates the price of something, or that the price inflates, you mean that the price increases. The promotion of a big release can inflate a film's final cost. [VERB noun] …

INFLATE definition: to distend; swell or puff out; dilate. See examples of inflate used in a sentence.

Definition of inflate verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

INFLATE meaning: 1. to make something increase in size by filling it with air, or to increase in size when filled…. Learn more.

1. to distend; swell or puff out; dilate. 2. to expand or distend with air or gas: to inflate a balloon.

3 days ago · inflate (third-person singular simple present inflates, present participle inflating, simple past and past participle inflated) Girl inflating a red balloon by blowing into it.

in•flate /ɪnˈfleɪt/ v., -flat•ed, -flat•ing. to (cause to) be expanded with air or gas: [~ + object] Did you inflate the tires to the proper pressure? [no object] Those balloons inflate easily. to puff up with …

Dec 18, 2025 · Inflation unexpectedly – and sharply – slowed in November, a seemingly welcome change for Americans weighed down by the persistently high cost of living.

The verb inflate means To increase or expand the size, volume, or quantity of something, often by introducing air or gas.