The meaning of INFLATE is to swell or distend with air or gas. How to use inflate in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Inflate.

INFLATE definition: to distend; swell or puff out; dilate. See examples of inflate used in a sentence.

INFLATE definition: 1. to make something increase in size by filling it with air, or to increase in size when filled…. Learn more.

Definition of inflate verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. to distend; swell or puff out; dilate. 2. to expand or distend with air or gas: to inflate a balloon.

When you inflate something you fill it with air (or any other gas) to make it expand. From the Latin verb inflāre, "to blow into," the word inflate appeared in English in the early 16th century.

Before you inflate it 100 per cent, sit on the ball. The water-breather worked, but the lifesaver was slow to inflate. Inflate your tires to the proper level and check them monthly for signs of wear. In balloon …

to puff up with pride, vanity, etc.:[~ + object] He will try to inflate your ego. Business to increase too much, such as the level of prices:[~ + object] The company inflated its prices during the oil shortage.

Jan 20, 2026 · inflate (third-person singular simple present inflates, present participle inflating, simple past and past participle inflated) Girl inflating a red balloon by blowing into it.

If you say that someone inflates the price of something, or that the price inflates, you mean that the price increases. The promotion of a big release can inflate a film's final cost.