n. [ L. inflatio: cf. F. inflation. ] 1. The act or process of inflating, or the state of being inflated, as with air or gas; distention; expansion; enlargement. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The state of being puffed up, as with pride; conceit; vanity. B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Persistent expansion or increase in the general level of prices, usually caused by overissue of currency, and resulting in a reduced value of the currency. It is contrasted with deflation, and is when it occurs to a very high degree is called hyperinflation. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]