Reflation
A period or policy that pushes inflation back up from very low levels.
2 min read · Reviewed September 2026
In plain words
Reflation is the deliberate stimulation of inflation after it has fallen dangerously low — usually below target or into deflation territory. Central banks use it to describe the goal of their stimulus programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between reflation and inflation?
Reflation is a deliberate policy action or episode aimed at raising inflation back toward target from below. Regular inflation is a sustained price rise that may be above target. Reflation has a purposeful connotation; inflation does not.
Further reading