inflate

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de remplir quelque chose d'air ou de gaz, ou de provoquer son expansion ; également employé au sens figuré pour signifier l'exagération ou l'augmentation de quelque chose au-delà des limites normales.

A verb used to indicate the act of filling something with air or gas, or causing it to expand; also used figuratively to mean exaggerating or increasing something beyond normal limits.

1. Fill with air or gasB1formal

   To fill something with air or gas so that it becomes larger and rounder.

   gonfler

   • He used a pump to inflate the bicycle tire.
   • The balloons were inflated with helium for the party.
   • Make sure to inflate the life raft before using it.

   Synonymesblow updistendexpandpuff upswell

   Antonymescollapsedeflateempty

2. Increase prices or valueB2formalbusiness

   To cause prices, costs, or value to rise, often artificially.

   gonfler (les prix)

   • The company inflated the prices of its products during the shortage.
   • Speculation can inflate the value of stocks beyond their real worth.
   • The government is trying to prevent the economy from inflating too quickly.

   Synonymesboostescalatehikeincreasejack upmark upraise

   Antonymescutdeflatelowerreduce

3. ExaggerateB2informal

   To make something seem more important or impressive than it really is.

   Exagérer

   • He tends to inflate his achievements when telling stories.
   • The media often inflates the significance of minor events.
   • Don't inflate the problem; it's not as serious as you think.

   Synonymesamplifyblow upembellishexaggeratemagnifyoverstatepadpuff up

   Antonymesdeflatedownplayminimizeunderstate