levitate

verb

lev·​i·​tate ˈle-və-ˌtāt 

levitated; levitating

intransitive verb

: to rise or float in or as if in the air especially in seeming defiance of gravitation

transitive verb

: to cause to levitate

Examples of levitate in a Sentence

The woman levitated above the stage.

The magician claimed he could levitate a car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nessarose, who uses a wheelchair, is seen levitating after begging Elphaba to wield her magical powers to give her the ability to walk. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025

Also bear witness to the miraculous sight of Lake straight-up levitating someone. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025

Picture objects levitating or twitching without external interference—or switching rooms. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025

Released in 2024, this six-figure stunner features a levitating flying tourbillon that allows the wearer to alternate between automatic and manual modes. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably by back-formation from levitation, by analogy with gravitate : gravitation

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for levitate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

levitate

verb

lev·​i·​tate ˈlev-ə-ˌtāt 

: to rise or cause to rise in the air in seeming defiance of gravity