lift

verb \ ˈlift \

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: lift in a Sentence

Definition of lift

lifted; lifting; lifts

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 (something, such 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

—

liftable

play \ˈlif-tə-bəl\ adjective

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lifter

noun

See lift defined for English-language learners

See lift defined for kids

Examples of lift in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of lift

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

lift Synonyms

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

lift

noun

Definition of lift

1 : the amount that may be lifted at one time : load

2 a : the action or an instance of lifting

b : the action or an instance of rising

c : elevated carriage (as of a body part)

d : the lifting up (as of a dancer) usually by a partner

3 : a device (such as a handle or latch) for lifting

4 : an act of stealing : theft

5 a : assistance, help

b : a ride especially along one's way

6 : a layer in the heel of a shoe

7 : a rise or advance in position or condition

8 : a slight rise or elevation

9 : the distance or extent to which something rises

10 : an apparatus or machine used for hoisting: such as

a : a set of pumps used in a mine

b chiefly British : elevator 1b

c : an apparatus for raising an automobile (as for repair)

d : ski lift

11 a : an elevating influence

b : an elevation of the spirit

12 a : the component of the total aerodynamic force acting on an airplane or airfoil that is perpendicular to the relative wind and that for an airplane constitutes the upward force that opposes the pull of gravity

b : an updraft that can be used to increase altitude (as of a sailplane)

13 : an organized movement of people, equipment, or supplies by some form of transportation; especially : airlift

14 : plastic surgery on a part of the body typically to improve a drooping or sagging appearance especially by reducing excess skin and fat

a neck lift

First Known Use of lift

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

lift

noun

Definition of lift

chiefly Scotland

: heavens, sky

Origin and Etymology of lift

Middle English, from Old English lyft

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

LIFT Defined for English Language Learners

lift

verb

Definition of lift for English Language Learners

: to move (something or someone) to a higher position
: to rise up from the ground or some other surface
: to move (someone or something) to a higher condition or position

LIFT Defined for Kids

lift

verb \ ˈlift \

Definition of lift for Students

lifted; lifting

1 : to raise from a lower to a higher position, rate, or amount

2 : to rise from the ground The balloon lifted into the sky.

3 : to move upward and disappear or become scattered

The haze lifted.

Synonym Discussion of lift

lift, raise, and hoist mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position. lift is used for the act of bringing up especially from the ground.

- Lift those boxes onto the table.

raise is used when there is a suitable or intended higher position to which something is brought.

- Raise the flag a little higher.

hoist means use of pulleys to increase the force applied in raising something very heavy.

- Hoist the crates onto the ship.

lift

noun

Definition of lift for Students

1 : the action or an instance of picking up and raising

He showed his surprise with a lift of his eyebrows.

2 : an improved mood or condition The good test grade gave her a lift.

3 : a ride in a vehicle

She gave me a lift to school.

4 chiefly British : elevator 1

5 : an upward force (as on an airplane wing) that opposes the pull of gravity

Medical Dictionary

lift

noun \ ˈlift \

medical Definition of lift

: plastic surgery on a part of the body typically to improve a drooping or sagging appearance especially by reducing excess skin and fat

… many plastic surgeons claim that doing a brow lift or a neck lift at an earlier age can help postpone more invasive face-lifts later on …
—Liz Welch, Glamour, April 2001