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

The goal of the advertisement, first launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, is to uplift while being respectful of the mood of the country, according to the marketing officer behind it. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2025

So far this season, Philadelphia has shown flashes of dominance like last year, but struggles against two NFC East rivals and the Broncos have uplifted some hope from fans. —Jenn McGraw, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Noun

The rebate, currently sitting at 20% with a possible 5% uplift for international productions, is simple to claim and not tied to tax, with the New Zealand dollar offering excellent value for international productions. —Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025

Certain colors have even been shown to boost mood, so catching a glimpse of your nails in a bright hue can spark a subtle uplift. —Essence, 21 Nov. 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