levitate

[ lev-i-teyt ]

verb (used without object)

, lev·i·tat·ed, lev·i·tat·ing.

1. to rise or float in the air, especially as a result of a supernatural power that overcomes gravity.

verb (used with object)

, lev·i·tat·ed, lev·i·tat·ing.

1. to cause to rise or float in the air.

levitate

/ ˈlɛvɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to rise or cause to rise and float in the air, without visible agency, attributed, esp formerly, to supernatural causes
2. tr med to support (a patient) on a cushion of air in the treatment of severe burns

Derived Forms

• ˌleviˈtation, noun
• ˈleviˌtator, noun

Other Words From

• levi·tator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of levitate¹

1665–75; levit(y) + -ate ¹, modeled on gravitate

Word History and Origins

Origin of levitate¹

C17: from Latin levis light + -tate, as in gravitate

Example Sentences

Above the racetrack, a handful of ytterbium ions are trapped and levitated by a train of electrical, radiofrequency, and laser pulses.

From Science Magazine

Writing about “Anora” from the festival, Times deputy entertainment & arts editor Matt Brennan described the movie as “so electric, it’s liable to leave you levitating.”

From Los Angeles Times

The effect of it all is so electric, it’s liable to leave you levitating.

From Los Angeles Times

This causes microdroplets to levitate and jump off the surface within milliseconds at lower temperatures because the speed of boiling can be controlled by changing the height of the pillars.

From Science Daily

Rafael Nadal, left arm across his chest, feet levitating above the court and mouth agape, has just walloped a trademark forehand winner.

From BBC