/ ˈeəlɪft; NAmE ˈerl-/ noun , verb
■ noun
an operation to take people, soldiers, food, etc. to or from an area by plane, especially in an emergency or when roads are closed or dangerous
■ verb
[ vn ] to take sb/sth to or from an area by plane, especially in an emergency or when roads are closed or dangerous :
Two casualties were airlifted to safety .
—compare sealift