verb
inflate
ihn-FLAYT
verb
1
To fill something with air or gas so that it expands.
"He used a foot pump to inflate the tires."
"Please inflate the balloons before the party starts."
2
To increase something, such as a price or figure, beyond its real or reasonable level.
"Some sellers inflate prices right before a big sale to fake a discount."
How to Use Inflate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pump full of air, or to artificially boost a number or figure.
Common pairings
inflate a tire
inflate prices
inflate figures
Word Forms
inflated past tense, inflates singular
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He used a foot pump to _____ the tires.
Etymology
From Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare, "to blow into."