Meaning & Definition of word "Lift"

Lift

/lɪft/

noun:

  • 1. an act of raising something.
    • Example: He gave her a lift to the airport.
  • 2. a mechanical device used for moving people or goods to different floors.
    • Example: We took the lift to the tenth floor.
  • 3. an increase in position or status.
    • Example: She received a lift in her career after the promotion.

verb:

  • 1. to raise to a higher position or level.
    • Example: She lifted the box off the floor.
  • 2. to become higher or to cause something to become higher.
    • Example: The sun lifted over the horizon.
  • 3. to remove or lessen the burden or weight of something.
    • Example: 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 of lift

Meaning: To steal or take without permission.

Example Sentence: He lifted a candy from the store.

Meaning: To enhance one's mood or experience.

Example Sentence: That song really lifts me up.