inflate

verb
UK: /ɪnˈfleɪt/
US: /ɪnˈfleɪt/

  1. To fill something with air or gas so it becomes larger.

    1. I need to inflate the tires of my bike.
    2. They used a pump to inflate the rubber dinghy before taking it to the sea.

  2. To increase something in size or amount, often in a way that is not normal or desirable.

    1. The company tried to inflate its sales numbers.
    2. The hot air balloon inflated rapidly as the burner was activated by the pilot.

Synonyms

swell expand enlarge magnify
inflate adjective

  1. Increased or distended with air or gas.

    1. The inflate balloon floated away.
    2. The inflate raft was bobbing on the waves, after drifting away from the shore.
inflate transitive-verb

  1. To make (something) appear more important or impressive than it really is.

    1. The media can inflate minor events.
    2. Do not inflate your own ego by thinking you are better than all your peers.
inflate intransitive-verb

  1. To become filled with air or gas.

    1. The balloon will inflate slowly.
    2. The life raft should inflate automatically once it hits the water surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "inflate" in English means: To fill something with air or gas so it becomes larger., To increase something in size or amount, often in a way that is not normal or desirable..

The phonetic transcription of "inflate" is /ɪnˈfleɪt/ in British English and /ɪnˈfleɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "inflate": swell, expand, enlarge, magnify.

Example usage of "inflate": "I need to inflate the tires of my bike.". More examples on the page.