raise

¹raise

verb \ˈrāz\

raisedrais·ing

Definition of RAISE

transitive verb

1

: to cause or help to rise to a standing position

2

a : awaken, arouse b : to stir up : incite <raise a rebellion> c : to flush (game) from cover d : to recall from or as if from death

3

a : to set upright by lifting or building <raise a monument> b : to lift up <raise your hand> <raise sunken treasure> c : to place higher in rank or dignity : elevate d : heighten, invigorate <raise the spirits> e : to end or suspend the operation or validity of <raise a siege>

4

: to get together for a purpose : collect <raise funds>

5

a : grow, cultivate <raise cotton> b : to bring to maturity : rear <raise a child> c : to breed and bring (an animal) to maturity

6

a : to give rise to : provoke <raise a commotion> b : to give voice to <raise a cheer>

7

: to bring up for consideration or debate <raise an issue>

8

a : to increase the strength, intensity, or pitch of <don't raise your voice> b : to increase the degree of c : to cause to rise in level or amount <raise the rent> d (1) : to increase the amount of (a poker bet) (2) : to bet more than (a previous bettor) e (1) : to make a higher bridge bid in (a partner's suit) (2) : to increase the bid of (one's partner)

9

: to make light and porous <raise dough>

10

: to cause to ascend <raise the dust>

11

: to multiply (a quantity) by itself a specified number of times <raise two to the fourth power>

12

: to bring in sight on the horizon by approaching <raise land>

13

a : to bring up the nap of (cloth) b : to cause (as a blister) to form on the skin

14

: to increase the nominal value of fraudulently <raise a check>

15

: to articulate (a sound) with the tongue in a higher position

16

: to establish radio communication with

intransitive verb

1

dialect : rise

2

: to increase a bet or bid

— rais·er noun

— raise Cain or raise hell

1

: to act wildly : create a disturbance

2

: to scold or upbraid someone especially loudly <raised hell with the umpire>

— raise eyebrows

: to cause surprise or mild disapproval

— raise the bar

: to set a higher standard <new software that raises the bar for competitors>

Examples of RAISE

1. Raise your hand if you know the answer.
2. Raise your arms above your head.
3. He raised his head and looked around.
4. She raised her eyes from her book and stared at him.
5. He raised the cup to his lips and drank.
6. I raised the lid and peeked inside.
7. Let's raise the windows and get some fresh air in here.
8. We raised the flag to the top of the pole.
9. I carefully raised her to a sitting position.
10. She raised herself onto her knees.

Origin of RAISE

Middle English reisen, raisen, from Old Norse reisa — more at rear

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to RAISE

Synonyms: boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, jack (up), lift, 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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