Lift

/lɪft/

Meaning & Definition

noun
an act of raising something.
He gave her a lift to the airport.
a mechanical device used for moving people or goods to different floors.
We took the lift to the tenth floor.
an increase in position or status.
She received a lift in her career after the promotion.
verb
to raise to a higher position or level.
She lifted the box off the floor.
to become higher or to cause something to become higher.
The sun lifted over the horizon.
to remove or lessen the burden or weight of something.
He lifted her spirits with his kind words.

Etymology

Old English 'lyft', meaning 'air, sky, or to raise'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

give a lift
To provide someone with a ride.
lift someone's spirits
To make someone feel happier or more positive.
lift a finger
To make an effort to help.

Related Words

elevator
A platform or compartment housed in a shaft for raising and lowering people or things.
hoist
To raise something, often with a mechanical device.
uplift
To raise to a higher state or a more favorable condition.

Slang Meanings

To steal or take without permission.
He lifted a candy from the store.
To enhance one's mood or experience.
That song really lifts me up.