■ verb
1》 raise or be raised to a higher position or level.
↘raise (someone's spirits or confidence).
2》 pick up and move to a different position.
↘transport by air.
↘( ~ off ) (of an aircraft, spacecraft, etc.) take off, especially vertically.
↘dig up (root vegetables or plants).
3》 formally remove or end (a legal restriction, ban, etc.).
4》 carry off or win (a prize or event).
↘ informal steal.
■ noun
1》 Brit. a platform or compartment housed in a shaft for raising and lowering people or things.
↘a device for carrying people up or down a mountain.
2》 an act or instance of ~ing.
↘upward force exerted by the air on an aerofoil or other structure, counteracting gravity.
↘the maximum weight that an aircraft can raise.
3》 a free ride in another person's vehicle.
4》 a feeling of confidence or cheerfulness.
5》 a built-up heel or device in a boot or shoe.
Phrases
~ a finger (or hand ) [usu. with negative ] make the slightest effort.
Derivatives
~able adjective
~er noun
Origin
ME: from ON lypta , of Gmc origin; related to loft .