inflator

[ɪnˈfleɪtər]
nounmasculinepl: inflators
inflador
1. a device or tool used to fill something with air or gas
I used an inflator to pump up my bicycle tires.
Usei um inflador para encher os pneus da minha bicicleta.
2. a person who inflates or exaggerates something
He is known as an inflator of statistics and claims.
Ele é conhecido por inflar estatísticas e afirmações.
3. in finance, a factor or element that causes inflation
Rising oil prices are a major inflator of the economy.
O aumento dos preços do petróleo é um grande fator inflacionário da economia.
In Brazil, 'inflador' is the standard term for air pumps used in everyday contexts like pumping bicycle or car tires. The figurative use referring to someone who exaggerates is also understood but less commonly used than in English-speaking contexts. In Portugal, 'bomba de ar' is the preferred term.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pumpair pumpcompressorblower
Antonyms / Antônimos
deflatorvacuum

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
inflador
most common term for the device
São Paulo
bomba de ar
alternative expression meaning 'air pump'
Rio de Janeiro
inflador
standard usage, same as general Brazilian
Portugal
bomba de ar
Portuguese preference for this expression over inflador

Related Words

inflateinflationinflatableairpumppressure

Related Idioms & Phrases

inflator of egos - someone who excessively praises or flatters
economic inflator - term used in financial contexts
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