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reflation

American  
[ri-fley-shuhn] / rɪˈfleɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. restoration of economic activity, consumer prices, etc., to higher levels by manipulating monetary policy.


reflation British  
/ riːˈfleɪʃən /

noun

  1. an increase in economic activity

  2. an increase in the supply of money and credit designed to cause such an increase

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of reflation

First recorded in 1930–35; re- + (in)flation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A flood of economic data is in store for China watchers, coming on the heels of data that sent encouraging signals on reflation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“That all looks to me much more like a reflation trade than a debasement trade,” Pasquariello said, referring to the prospect for a fiscal boost in Japan and the recent talk of waning dollar attractiveness.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 16, 2026

The January headline and core inflation readings may signal an early stage of reflation amid a gradual recovery in domestic demand, UOB noted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Strategists like Dario Perkins of TS Lombard argue that markets remain positioned for a benign “soft landing,” even as the conditions for a more forceful reflation are quietly falling into place.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

Haefele added that the main driver of the markets in the second half of 2022 will be investor perceptions of whether we are headed for stagflation, reflation, a soft-landing, or a slump.

From Reuters • Jun. 27, 2022

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