If you inflate something such as a balloon or tyre, or if it inflates, it becomes bigger as it is filled with air or a gas. Stuart jumped into the sea and inflated the liferaft. [VERB noun] Don's lifejacket had failed to inflate. [VERB]
Definition of inflate verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
When you inflate something you fill it with air (or any other gas) to make it expand. From the Latin verb inflāre, "to blow into," the word inflate appeared in English in the early 16th century.
When passion's tumults in the bosom rise, / Inflate the features, and enrage the eyes. (intransitive) To enlarge by filling with air (or a gas). The balloon will inflate if you blow into it.
in•flate /ɪnˈfleɪt/ v., -flat•ed, -flat•ing. to (cause to) be expanded with air or gas: [~ + object] Did you inflate the tires to the proper pressure? [no object] Those balloons inflate easily. to puff up with pride, vanity, etc.:[~ + object] He will try to inflate your ego.
To increase or expand the size, volume, or quantity of something, often by introducing air or gas. "The company tried to inflate its sales figures to attract investors."
When passion's tumults in the bosom rise, / Inflate the features, and enrage the eyes. (intransitive) To enlarge by filling with air (or a gas). The balloon will inflate if you blow into it.