Economics . a persistent, substantial rise in the general level of prices related to an increase in the volume of money and resulting in the loss of value of currency ( opposed to deflation ).

the act of inflating.

the state of being inflated.

noun

compression , decrease , deflation , shrinkage

noun

aggrandizement , blowing up , boom , boost , buildup , distension , enhancement , enlargement , escalation , expansion , extension , hike , intensification , prosperity , puffiness , rise , spread , tumefaction , deficit financing , distention