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

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

“He was gonna help me levitate, and he took my hands, and then—” My voice cracks.

From Literature

“Nic and I were in the backyard, and I was gonna speak the ancient words so she could levitate. I took her hands and then...it’s like a strong static shock hit me. My energy was sapped out of me.”

From Literature

Then the general raises her hand, and my parents and Uncle Ty levitate off their chairs.

From Literature

Then she raises her hand, and I levitate off the floor.

From Literature