in·flate 
/ɪnˈfleɪt/ verb
in·flates; in·flat·ed; in·flat·ing /ɪnˈfleɪt/ verb 1 a [+ obj] : to add air or gas to (something, such as a tire or a balloon) and make it larger
▪ We used a pump to inflate the raft. ▪ inflate [=blow up] a balloon
b [no obj] : to become larger by being filled with air or gas
▪ The balloon slowly inflated. — opposite deflate 2 [+ obj] a : to think or say that (something) is larger or more important than it really is
▪ His memoirs inflate [=exaggerate] his contributions to the war effort.
b : to cause (a person's ego, reputation, etc.) to become too large or great
▪ All the publicity was inflating his ego. [=was making him too proud and conceited] 3 : to increase prices, costs, etc., in a way that is not normal or expected [+ obj] ▪ Economists warn that rapid economic growth could inflate prices. ▪ Increased competition has inflated salaries among professional athletes. [no obj] ▪ Rapid economic growth may cause prices to inflate.
▪ We used a pump to inflate the raft. ▪ inflate [=blow up] a balloon
b [no obj] : to become larger by being filled with air or gas
▪ The balloon slowly inflated. — opposite deflate
▪ His memoirs inflate [=exaggerate] his contributions to the war effort.
b : to cause (a person's ego, reputation, etc.) to become too large or great
▪ All the publicity was inflating his ego. [=was making him too proud and conceited]
— in·flat·able /ɪnˈfleɪtəbəl/ adjective
▪ an inflatable raft
/ɪnˈfleɪtəbəl/ adjective ▪ an inflatable raft
