Real Dictionary

inflate
verb: If someone inflates the amount or effect of something, they say it is bigger, better, or more important than it really is, usually so that they can profit from it.
verb: 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.
verb: If you say that someone inflates the price of something, or that the price inflates, you mean that the price increases.

inflate in American English
to become inflated; swell
to blow full or swell out as with air or gas; distend; expand; dilate
intransitive verb: to become inflated
transitive verb: to distend; swell or puff out; dilate

inflate in British English
verb: to expand or cause to expand by filling with gas or air