ɪnˈfleɪt v.tr. 1
distend (a
balloon etc.)
with air. 2 (usu. foll. by with; usu. in passive)
puff up (a
person with
pride etc.). 3 a (often absol.)
bring about inflation (of
the currency). b
raise (prices) artificially. 4 (as inflated adj.) (esp. of
language, sentiments, etc.) bombastic. øøinflatedly adv. inflatedness n. inflater n. inflator n. [L inflare inflat(as
IN-(2),
flare blow)]