inflate
UK: ɪnˈfleɪt | US: ɪnˈfleɪt
vt. to fill with air or gas to expand
vt. to exaggerate or overstate (e.g., prices, importance)
vi. to become expanded by air or gas
inflate = in<into> + flat<blow> + e<verb suffix>
- in: Latin prefix meaning "into" or "in," indicating direction or intensification.
- flat: Derived from Latin flare ("to blow"), reflecting the action of filling with air.
- e: A common verbal suffix in Latin-derived verbs, marking the infinitive form.
Etymology Origin:
The word inflate originates from Latin inflare ("to blow into"), combining in- (into) and flare (to blow). It initially described the physical act of filling something with air (e.g., inflating a balloon). Over time, it metaphorically extended to mean "exaggerating" or "artificially increasing," mirroring the idea of puffing something up beyond its natural state.
The workers used a pump to inflate the rubber raft.
The company was accused of inflating its profits to attract investors.
Hot air balloons inflate slowly before takeoff.
Politicians often inflate their achievements during campaigns.
Be careful not to overinflate the tires; it could cause a blowout.