v. 1 intr. move upwards; rise. 2 intr. a slope upwards. b lie along an ascending slope. 3 tr. climb; go up. 4 intr. rise in rank or status. 5 tr. mount upon. 6 intr. (of sound) rise in pitch. 7 tr. go along (a river) to its source. 8 intr. Printing (of a letter) have part projecting upwards. ascend the throne become king or queen.
[ ME f. L ascendere (as AD-, scandere climb) ]