| 释义 |
in·flate
I. \ə̇nˈflāt, usu -ād.+V\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English inflat, from Latin inflatus, past participle
archaic : inflated
II. verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Latin inflatus, past participle of inflare, from in- in- (II) + flare to blow — more at blow
transitive verb
1. : to swell or distend with air or gas
< inflate a balloon >
— opposed to deflate
2. : to puff up : elate
< inflate one with pride >
3. : to expand or increase abnormally or improperly : extend imprudently; especially : to increase (the volume of money and credit) so that a general rise in the price level occurs
< deliberately inflating the currency >
intransitive verb
: to undergo inflation : fill with or as if with air : distend
Synonyms: see expand |