Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfleɪt/
verb
[usually with object]-
1fill (a balloon, tyre, or other expandable structure) with air or gas so that it becomes distended: never use an air line on a garage forecourt to inflate your tyres
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[no object] become distended with air or gas: the mattress inflated
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2increase (something) by a large or excessive amount: objectives should be clearly set out so as not to duplicate work and inflate costs
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exaggerate: numbers have been grossly inflated by the local press
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3bring about inflation of (a currency) or in (an economy): he has inflated the money supply to allow companies to continue in their old ways
Derivatives
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(also inflator) noun