uplift

[ verb uhp-lift; noun uhp-lift ]

verb (used with object)

1. to lift up; raise; elevate.
2. to improve socially, culturally, morally, or the like:

   to uplift downtrodden and deprived peoples.

3. to exalt emotionally or spiritually.

verb (used without object)

1. to become uplifted.

noun

1. an act of lifting up or raising; elevation.
2. the process or work of improving, as socially, intellectually, or morally.
3. emotional or spiritual exaltation.

   Synonyms: enhancement, betterment, enrichment

4. a brassiere.
5. Geology. an upheaval.

uplift

verb

1. to raise; elevate; lift up
2. to raise morally, spiritually, culturally, etc
3. to collect (a passenger, parcel, etc); pick up

noun

1. the act, process, or result of lifting up
2. the act or process of bettering moral, social or cultural conditions, etc
3. 1. a brassiere for lifting and supporting the breasts
   2. ( as modifier )

      an uplift bra

4. the process or result of land being raised to a higher level, as during a period of mountain building

Derived Forms

• upˈlifter, noun

Other Words From

• up·liftment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uplift¹

First recorded in 1300–50, uplift is from the Middle English word upliften. See up-, lift

Example Sentences

At The American Prospect, Thomas Nelson advises the Democratic Party to embrace an economic agenda that uplifts the American worker and fully embraces the labor movement:

From Salon

"I think with the help of the islanders it's been a big challenge because we've learnt a lot through the programme. But I think the uplift and success of it has been really good."

From BBC

Kyran, 26, is now proud of being confident and uplifting others through drag, but says "it did start as a defence mechanism, because it was a way for me to try and survive".

From BBC

The Emmy-winning director knew "it was my life's purpose to support and uplift a young woman through her journey of grief, trauma — using my art as the tool."

From Salon

The Telegraph awarded five stars, with Neil McCormick describing it as "perversely uplifting in its nihilism and the best thing since their debut".

From BBC

Related Words

• excite
• exhilarate
• improve
• lift up