expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume. expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).
If you inflate something such as a balloon or tyre, or if it inflates, it becomes bigger as it is filled with air or a gas. Stuart jumped into the sea and inflated the liferaft. [VERB noun] Don's lifejacket had failed to inflate. [VERB]
Definition of inflate verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
When passion's tumults in the bosom rise, / Inflate the features, and enrage the eyes. (intransitive) To enlarge by filling with air (or a gas). The balloon will inflate if you blow into it.
in•flate /ɪnˈfleɪt/ v., -flat•ed, -flat•ing. to (cause to) be expanded with air or gas: [~ + object] Did you inflate the tires to the proper pressure? [no object] Those balloons inflate easily. to puff up with pride, vanity, etc.:[~ + object] He will try to inflate your ego.
INFLATE meaning: 1 : to add air or gas to (something, such as a tire or a balloon) and make it larger; 2 : to become larger by being filled with air or gas
When passion's tumults in the bosom rise, / Inflate the features, and enrage the eyes. (intransitive) To enlarge by filling with air (or a gas). The balloon will inflate if you blow into it.