26984 words

inflate

7 definitions • 13 examples
1
to make something increase in size by filling it with air, or to increase in size when filled with air:

Examples:

He inflated the balloons with helium.
We watch the hot-air balloon slowly inflate.
2
to become or to make something larger or more important:

Examples:

They inflated their part in the rescue every time they told the story.
The star's ego has inflated to dangerous proportions.
3
to have or cause a general increase in prices and economic activity :

Examples:

There have been efforts to inflate the economy and prop up asset prices.
There is a theory that you should borrow when your money can buy sound assets like gold and real estate and pay off that debt with cheaper money as an economy inflates.
4
to cause an object to increase in size and shape by filling it with air or gas, or (of an object) to become larger as a result of this process:

Examples:

[ T ] to inflate balloons
[ I ] Air bags in cars are designed to inflate automatically on impact.
5
to make a number or value higher or greater than it should be, or to make something seem more important than it really is:

Examples:

Company officials misled the public in order to inflate the value of the company’s stock.
The story was inflated by the media.
6
to increase the value or price of something, or to become more valuable or expensive:

Examples:

People who bought homes years ago have seen the values inflate and property taxes rise with the inflation.
Weak export sales have helped to inflate inventories.
7
to make a number, price, or value higher than it should be or than is reasonable, sometimes in order to deceive people:

Examples:

Insurers fear that people will make up or inflate claims.

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