hyperinflation
noun/ˌhaɪpəɹɪnˈfleɪʃən/
Etymology From hyper- + inflation.
1
Excessive inflation.
- hyperinflation of the lungs
2
Economics, Sciences A very high rate of inflation.
- Even though ten years elapsed between the German hyperinflation of 1923 and the seizure of power by Hitler, it is often suggested that the two events are causally related.1985, Leon N. Lindberg, Charles S. Maier, Brian M. Barry, The Politics of inflation and economic stagnation, page 74:
- Only inconvertible paper currencies can be expanded rapidly without limit to generate hyperinflation.1987, Philip Cagan, “Hyperinflation”, in The New Palgrave: A Dictionary of Economics:
2 more examples
- When hyperinflation peaked, wheelbarrows full of money were required to shop for groceries.2004, John Barkley Rosser, Marina V. Rosser, Comparative Economics in a Transforming World Economy, page 236:
- Javier Milei, a far-right libertarian presidential candidate, has made “dollarizing” Argentina a signature proposal of his campaign, hailing it as a cure for the country’s hyperinflation problem.2023 October 23, Anna Cooban, “Javier Milei wants Argentina to swap the peso for the US dollar. Here’s what that could mean”, in CNN Business:
- Related terms
- deflation