Hyperinflation

Extremely rapid and out-of-control price increases.

Hyperinflation is runaway inflation, often exceeding 50 percent per month, that destroys a currency value and savings. It usually stems from excessive money printing to cover government deficits. Historical cases include Weimar Germany, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela, where prices doubled in days.

In the grip of hyperinflation, citizens hauled bags of cash to buy a loaf of bread.