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.