From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of lift
Middle English, from Old English lyft
First Known Use: before 12th century
lift
Definition of lift
transitive verb
1a : to raise from a lower to a higher position : elevateb : to raise in rank or conditionc : 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
4a : steal had her purse liftedb : plagiarizec : 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
lifter
nounExamples 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
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of lift
lift
Definition of lift
2a : the action or an instance of liftingb : the action or an instance of risingc : 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
5a : assistance, helpb : 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
14th Century
First Known Use of lift
14th century
LIFT Defined for English Language Learners
lift
Definition of lift for English Language Learners
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: to move (something or someone) to a higher position
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: to rise up from the ground or some other surface
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: to move (someone or something) to a higher condition or position
LIFT Defined for Kids
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.
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
playMedical 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
lift
transitive verbLaw Dictionary
lift
Legal Definition of lift
: to put an end to : make no longer effective lift the stay
Learn More about lift
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See words that rhyme with lift Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lift Spanish Central: Translation of lift Nglish: Translation of lift for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lift for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lift
Seen and Heard
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