uplift

1 of 2

verb

up·​lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift 

uplifted; uplifting; uplifts

transitive verb

1

: to lift up : elevate

especially : to cause (a portion of the earth's surface) to rise above adjacent areas

2

: to improve the spiritual, social, or intellectual condition of

music that uplifts the soul

intransitive verb

: rise

uplifter noun

uplift

2 of 2

noun

up·​lift ˈəp-ˌlift 

1

: an act, process, result, or cause of uplifting: such as

a(1)

: the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface

(2)

: an uplifted mass of land

b

: a bettering of a condition especially spiritually, socially, or intellectually

c(1)

: influences intended to uplift

(2)

: a social movement to improve especially morally or culturally

2

: a bra designed to hold the breasts up

Synonyms of uplift

Verb

• lift
• elevate
• raise

Examples of uplift in a Sentence

Verb

music that uplifts the soul

geologic forces that uplifted the mountains

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Yet all three men remain optimistic despite the odds, sure that Americans would rather feel hopeful than defeated, uplifted rather than downtrodden. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

The organization will present an inaugural trophy that night as well, also called the Richard Lewis Humor & Humanity Award, in honor of his legacy and his years-long commitment to uplifting his peers. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026

Noun

The performance wing, in particular, was bolstered by a double-digit uplift in running, training, and football. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Sondheim’s worst songs are dragged down by uplift, whose insincerity shines right through. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

uplift

1 of 2 verb

up·​lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift 

1

: to lift up : elevate

2

: to improve the spiritual, mental, or social condition of

uplift

2 of 2 noun

up·​lift ˈəp-ˌlift 

1

: an act, process, or result of uplifting

especially : the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface

2

: moral or social improvement or a movement to make such improvement