lift

²lift

verb

Definition of LIFT

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 surface

intransitive 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

Examples of LIFT

1. The paramedics lifted the stretcher into the ambulance.
2. lift a bucket of water
3. He lifted his foot from the gas pedal.
4. He lifted his pen from the paper.
5. She lifted her hands to the sky.
6. The story lifted him to national recognition.

Origin of LIFT

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LIFT

Synonyms: boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, jack (up), raise, perk (up), pick up, take up, up, uphold, uplift, upraise

Antonyms: drop, lower

Related Words: ascend, mount, rise; rear, upend

Near Antonyms: descend, dip, fall, pitch, plunge, slip; bear, depress, press, push; sink, submerge

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of LIFT

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>.