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

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 brassiere designed to hold the breasts up

Synonyms

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

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2025

The first-time head coach was hired last year by Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin and has created a culture of collective effort that uplifts that defense. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025

Noun

In a sport historically dominated by white practitioners, the wall becomes a site of collective uplift rather than individual conquest. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025

Beyond The Marketing Claims The data SymphonyAI presents is eye-catching — $200M in retail profit uplift, 77% fewer false positives in financial services, 35% asset utilization gains in manufacturing. —Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

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