exalt

[ ig-zawlt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality, etc.; elevate:

   He was exalted to the position of president.

   Synonyms: ennoble, raise, dignify, promote

   Antonyms: humble

2. to praise; extol:

   to exalt someone to the skies.

   Synonyms: glorify

   Antonyms: depreciate

3. to stimulate, as the imagination:

   The lyrics of Shakespeare exalted the audience.

4. to intensify, as a color:

   complementary colors exalt each other.

5. Obsolete. to elate, as with pride or joy.

exalt

/ ɪɡˈzɔːlt /

verb

1. to raise or elevate in rank, position, dignity, etc
2. to praise highly; glorify; extol
3. to stimulate the mind or imagination of; excite
4. to increase the intensity of (a colour, etc)
5. to fill with joy or delight; elate
6. obsolete.
   to lift up physically

Usage

Exalt is sometimes wrongly used where exult is meant: he was exulting (not exalting ) in his win earlier that day

Derived Forms

• exˈalter, noun

Other Words From

• ex·alter noun
• self-ex·alting adjective
• super·ex·alt verb (used with object)
• unex·alting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exalt¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English exalten, from Latin exaltāre “to lift up,” from ex- ex- ¹ + alt(us) “high” + -āre, infinitive verb ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of exalt¹

C15: from Latin exaltāre to raise, from altus high

Synonym Study

See elevate.

Example Sentences

If Strauss, an unworldly academic lecturer, had no conceivable link with the neoconservative project to unleash redemptive war and exalt untrammeled executive power, why did two of his followers, neocon operatives Abram Shulsky and Gary Schmitt — who had both held government positions in foreign intelligence — write a 1999 essay crediting Strauss with having helped them conceptualize intelligence matters?

From Salon

This is all happening while elected Republican officials are lining up to exalt Trump's criminality.

From Salon

“You limit God by making Him so extraordinary and you His only friend. Me, humble servant that I am, exalt even sheep—the miraculous pitchers of milk and cheese, benevolent contributors of wool.”

From Literature

“Anzac Day has never asked us to exalt in the glories of war. Anzac Day asks us to stand against the erosion of time and to hold on to their names,” Albanese added.

From Seattle Times

We certainly don't fault them for their bad decision-making skills — we exalt them.

From Salon

Related Words

• dignify
• extol
• glorify
• laud
• magnify
• revere