1. to fill with air or gas so as to expand
2. to increase artificially or excessively
3. to cause prices or costs to rise
Usage: economics

Examples

• She inflates the balloon for the party.
• The tire pump inflates the bicycle tire quickly.
• He inflates his accomplishments on his resume.
• The politician inflates the importance of minor issues.
• Rising demand inflates housing prices in the city.
• The company inflates its profit margins through creative accounting.
• Hot air inflates the balloon and makes it rise.