First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1lift
noun \ˈlift\
Definition of LIFT
chiefly ScottishADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LIFT
Middle English, from Old English lyft
2lift
verb
: to move (something or someone) to a higher position
: to rise up from the ground or some other surface
: to move (someone or something) to a higher condition or position
Full Definition of LIFT
transitive verb
1
a : to raise from a lower to a higher position : elevate b : to raise in rank or condition c : to raise in rate or amount
2
: to put an end to (a blockade or siege) by withdrawing or causing the withdrawal of investing forces
4
a : steal <had her purse lifted> b : plagiarize c : to take out of normal setting <lift a word out of context>
5
: to take up (as a root crop or transplants) from the ground
6
: to pay off (an obligation) <lift a mortgage>
7
: to move from one place to another (as by aircraft) : transport
8
: to take up (a fingerprint) from a surface
intransitive verb
2
of inclement weather : to dissipate and clear
— lift·able \ˈlif-tə-bəl\ adjective
— lift·er noun
See lift defined for English-language learners
See lift defined for kids
Origin of LIFT
Middle English, from Old Norse lypta; akin to Old English lyft air — more at loft
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to LIFT
Synonym Discussion of LIFT
lift, raise, rear, elevate, hoist, heave, boost 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>. raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position <scouts raising a flagpole>. rear may add an element of suddenness to raise <suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs>. elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied <elevated the taste of the public>. hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means <hoisted the cargo on board>. heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain <heaved the heavy crate inside>. boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push <boosted his brother over the fence>.
3lift
noun
Definition of LIFT
2
a : the action or an instance of lifting b : the action or an instance of rising c : elevated carriage (as of a body part) d : the lifting up (as of a dancer) usually by a partner
3
: a device (as a handle or latch) for lifting
4
: an act of stealing : theft
5
a : assistance, help b : a ride especially along one's way
6
: a layer in the heel of a shoe
7
: a rise or advance in position or condition
8
: a slight rise or elevation
9
: the distance or extent to which something rises
10
11
a : an elevating influence b : an elevation of the spirit
12
a : the component of the total aerodynamic force acting on an airplane or airfoil that is perpendicular to the relative wind and that for an airplane constitutes the upward force that opposes the pull of gravity b : an updraft that can be used to increase altitude (as of a sailplane)
13
: an organized movement of people, equipment, or supplies by some form of transportation; especially : airlift
14
: plastic surgery on a part of the body typically to improve a drooping or sagging appearance especially by reducing excess skin and fat <a neck lift>
First Known Use of LIFT
14th century
LIFT Defined for Kids
1lift
verb \ˈlift\
lift·edlift·ing
Definition of LIFT for Kids
1
: to raise from a lower to a higher position, rate, or amount
2
: to rise from the ground <The balloon lifted into the sky.>
3
: to move upward and disappear or become scattered <The haze lifted.>
Synonym Discussion of LIFT
lift, raise, and hoist mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position. lift is used for the act of bringing up especially from the ground. <Lift those boxes onto the table.> raise is used when there is a suitable or intended higher position to which something is brought. <Raise the flag a little higher.> hoist means use of pulleys to increase the force applied in raising something very heavy. <Hoist the crates onto the ship.>
2lift
noun
Definition of LIFT for Kids
1
: the action or an instance of picking up and raising <He showed his surprise with a lift of his eyebrows.>
2
: an improved mood or condition <The good test grade gave her a lift.>
3
: a ride in a vehicle <She gave me a lift to school.>
4
chiefly British : elevator 1
5
: an upward force (as on an airplane wing) that opposes the pull of gravity
Medical Dictionary
lift
noun \ˈlift\
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