1
to move from a lower to a higher place or position
- I needed help lifting the heavy globe back up to the top shelf
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boost,
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crane,
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elevate,
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heave,
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heft,
-
heighten,
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hike,
-
hoist,
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jack (up),
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perk (up),
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pick up,
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raise,
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take up,
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up,
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uphold,
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uplift,
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upraise
2
to move or extend upward
- once the sun started to cut through the morning fog, the colorful hot-air balloons began to lift off from the field
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arise,
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ascend,
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aspire,
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climb,
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mount,
-
rise,
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soar,
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thrust,
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up,
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uprear,
-
uprise,
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upthrust,
-
upturn
3
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
- she turned her back for just a moment, and somebody lifted her purse
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appropriate,
-
boost
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[slang],
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filch,
-
heist,
-
hook,
-
misappropriate,
-
nick
-
[British slang],
-
nip,
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pilfer,
-
pinch,
-
pocket,
-
purloin,
-
rip off,
-
snitch,
-
steal,
-
swipe,
-
thieve
1
an act or instance of helping
- the company's senior vice president gave his son a much-needed lift up the corporate ladder
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abetment,
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aid,
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assist,
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assistance,
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backing,
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boost,
-
hand,
-
help,
-
helping hand,
-
leg up,
-
support
2
a means of getting to a destination in a vehicle driven by another
- I'll need a lift to work while my car is in the shop
See the Dictionary Definition 
Frequently Asked Questions About lift
How does the verb lift contrast with its synonyms?
Some common synonyms of lift are boost, elevate, heave, hoist, raise, and rear. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.
lift the chair while I vacuum
When is boost a more appropriate choice than lift?
The words boost and lift can be used in similar contexts, but boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.
boosted his brother over the fence
How does the word elevate relate to other synonyms for lift?
Elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.
elevated the taste of the public
When would heave be a good substitute for lift?
Although the words heave and lift have much in common, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.
heaved the heavy crate inside
When is it sensible to use hoist instead of lift?
The meanings of hoist and lift largely overlap; however, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.
hoisted the cargo on board
In what contexts can raise take the place of lift?
While in some cases nearly identical to lift, raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.
scouts raising a flagpole
How are the words rear and raise related as synonyms of lift?
Rear may add an element of suddenness to raise.
suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs
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Time Traveler for lift
The first known use of lift was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century