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

Approximately 85 staff members were nominated across the district, and this process reflects SBSD’s commitment to recognizing excellence and celebrating themany ways staff members support and uplift one another in service of students, according to the news release. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

This book explores the intricacies of women's life and how those deep bonds can ultimately empower and uplift. —Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026

Noun

Management is projecting a full-year uplift to 170 million tons, up from their three decade-low of 149 million tonnes in 2022. —Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 16 Mar. 2026

If the two clubs swapped places in the draw, Arsenal’s title chances would fall to 26 per cent, while Bayern would enjoy an uplift to around 17 per cent. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 10 Mar. 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