Meaning & Definition of word "Inflate"
Inflate
/ɪnˈfleɪt/
verb:
- 1. to fill (something) with air or gas so that it becomes larger or more distended.
- Example: He used a pump to inflate the air mattress before the camping trip.
- 2. to increase (something) excessively or artificially.
- Example: The company decided to inflate its sales figures to attract investors.
- 3. to cause a currency to lose value due to an increase in prices.
- Example: The government’s policies might inflate the economy if not handled carefully.
Etymology
●from Latin 'inflatus', past participle of 'inflare', meaning 'to blow into'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
inflate one's ego:
to make someone feel more important or confident than they actually are.
inflate the numbers:
to exaggerate statistics or figures.
inflate a tire:
to fill a tire with air to the correct pressure.
Related Words
deflate:
to let air or gas out of something, causing it to shrink.
puff:
to blow air or smoke in short bursts.
balloon:
a flexible bag that can be inflated with air or gas.
Slang Meanings of inflate
Meaning: inflate someone's story
● Example Sentence: He tends to inflate his stories to make them more exciting.
Meaning: inflate the situation
● Example Sentence: They always inflate the situation for dramatic effect.