inflate: Meaning and Definition of

in•flate

1. to distend; swell or puff out; dilate: The king cobra inflates its hood.
2. to cause to expand or distend with air or gas: to inflate a balloon.
3. to puff up with pride, satisfaction, etc.
4. to elate.
5. to expand (money, prices, an economy, etc.) unduly in amount, value, or size; affect with inflation.

1. to become inflated.
2. to increase, esp. suddenly and substantially: The $10 subscription has inflated to $25.