Definition of: inflate

(in·flāt′) v. ·flat·ed, ·flat·ing v.t.
1. To fill with gas or air so as to distend or expand; blow up; dilate.
2. To increase the proportions of; puff up: to inflate one's pride.
3. To increase unduly, especially so that the nominal value exceeds the real: to inflate currency or prices.
—v.i.
4. To become distended or inflated. See synonyms under PUFF, SWELL. [<L inflatus, pp. of inflare blow into <in- in + flare blow]
—in·flat′a·ble adjective