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 brassiere 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

At its core, Hustle & Hope reflects Sutton’s belief that encouragement should both uplift and equip. —Essence, 12 Dec. 2025

This award, which provides a $100,000 financial grant and a year-long mentorship program valued at an additional $100,000, was created to support and uplift emerging Black designers, providing them with the resources to expand their brands and compete on a global stage. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025

Noun

In one case, the request was for 150%, with the property developer justifying the request on the basis of the uplift in valuation of the facility when rents start flowing, one of the people said. —Neil Callanan, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025

Some plants with very shallow roots, such as heuchera, astilbe, gaillardia, and strawberry, can be damaged by heaving or uplift of soils caused by freeze-thaw cycles. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 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