ASCEND

[verb] [literary or formal] - to move up or climb (something)They slowly ascended the steep path up the mountain. [T]The divers have begun to ascend to the surface of the water. [I]There's a long flight of steps ascending (= leading up) to the cathedral doors. [I](figurative) He eventually ascended (= advanced) to the position of chief executive of America's fourth largest banking company. [I](figurative) I shall list my objections to the plan in ascending (= increasing) order of importance.To ascend the throne is to become queen or king.