Inflate

Quick meaning: Inflate is a verb meaning (transitive) To enlarge an object by pushing air (or a gas) into it; to raise or expand abnormally.

Meaning

(transitive) To enlarge an object by pushing air (or a gas) into it; to raise or expand abnormally.

More Meanings

1. (intransitive) To enlarge by filling with air (or a gas).
2. (figurative) To swell; to puff up.
3. (transitive, computing) To decompress (data) that was previously deflated.
4. (figurative, transitive) To represent something as being more important, better, or worse than it actually is; to exaggerate.

Example Sentences

to inflate somebody with pride or vanity

You inflate a balloon by blowing air into it.

The balloon will inflate if you blow into it.

When passion's tumults in the bosom rise, / Inflate the features, and enrage the eyes.

Word Forms

• inflates
• inflating
• inflated

Synonyms for inflate

Depending on context, synonyms include expand, amplify, blow up, balloon, billow.

Antonyms for inflate

Common opposites include deflate.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include billow, blow up, expand, amplify, balloon, swell.

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