Inflate

/ɪnˈfleɪt/ · verb

Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

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

Example Sentences

You inflate a balloon by blowing air into it.

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

The balloon will inflate if you blow into it.

to inflate somebody with pride or vanity

[I]f they find / Some stain or blemish in a name of note, / Not grieving that their greatest are so small, / Inflate themselves with some insane delight, / And judge all nature from her feet of clay, […]

Israel routinely claims that the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas, has a tendency to inflate the number of Palestinian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

Synonyms for inflate

Antonyms for inflate

Related Words

Word Forms

• inflates
• inflating
• inflated

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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