Main Entry: ²lift

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse lypta; akin to Old English lyft air — more at loft

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to raise from a lower to a higher position : elevate b : to raise in rank or condition c : to raise in rate or amount
2 : to put an end to (a blockade or siege) by withdrawing or causing the withdrawal of investing forces
3 : revoke, rescind <lift an embargo>
4 a : steal <had her purse lifted> b : plagiarize c : to take out of normal setting <lift a word out of context>
5 : to take up (as a root crop or transplants) from the ground
6 : to pay off (an obligation) <lift a mortgage>
7 : to move from one place to another (as by aircraft) : transport
8 : to take up (a fingerprint) from a surfaceintransitive verb 1 a : ascend, rise <the rocket lifted off> b : to appear elevated (as above surrounding objects)
2 of inclement weather : to dissipate and clear

— lift·able \ˈlif-tə-bəl\ adjective

— lift·er noun

synonyms lift, raise, rear, elevate, hoist, heave, boost mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position. lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight <lift the chair while I vacuum>. raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position <scouts raising a flagpole>. rear may add an element of suddenness to raise <suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs>. elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied <elevated the taste of the public>. hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means <hoisted the cargo on board>. heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain <heaved the heavy crate inside>. boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push <boosted his brother over the fence>.