1. filling something with air or gas to make it expand
Usage: present participle of inflate
2. increasing prices, costs, or amounts artificially or excessively
Usage: economics
3. exaggerating or making something seem more important than it really is

Examples

• She is inflating the balloon for the party.
• The mechanic is inflating the tire to the proper pressure.
• Rising fuel costs are inflating transportation expenses.
• The government’s spending is inflating the national debt.
• He keeps inflating his role in the project’s success.
• The media is inflating the importance of this minor incident.
• They are inflating the air mattress for camping.