n.
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse lypta; akin to Old English lyft air ― more at LOFT
Date: 14th century
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
3 : REVOKE , RESCIND < lift an embargo>
4 a : STEAL <had her purse lift ed > 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
1 a : ASCEND , RISE <the rocket lift ed off> b : to appear elevated (as above surrounding objects)
2 of inclement weather : to dissipate and clear
– lift · able \ ' lif-t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– lift · er noun
synonyms 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>.