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, 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.