Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - inflate

 verb  (~d; inflating)  Etymology: Middle English, from Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare, from in- + flare to blow — more at blow  Date: 15th century  transitive verb  1. to swell or distend with air or gas ~ a tire  2. to puff up ; elate ~ one's ego  3. to expand or increase abnormally or imprudently  intransitive verb to become ~d  Synonyms: see expand  • inflator or ~r noun