up⋅lift
/v. ʌpˈlɪft; n. ˈʌpˌlɪft/ 
Show Spelled Pronunciation [v. uhp-lift; n. uhp-lift] Show IPA –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) –noun | 5. | an act of lifting up or raising; elevation. |
| 6. | the process or work of improving, as socially, intellectually, or morally. |
| 7. | emotional or spiritual exaltation. |
Origin: 1300–50; ME
upliften. See up-, lift 
Related forms: up⋅lift⋅ment, noun
Synonyms:
7. enrichment, betterment, enhancement.
up·lift (ŭp-lĭft')
tr.v.
up·lift·ed, up·lift·ing, up·lifts
To raise; elevate. To raise to a higher social, intellectual, or moral level or condition. To raise to spiritual or emotional heights; exalt: music that uplifts the spirit.
adj.
(ŭp'lĭft')
Uplifted.
n.
(ŭp'lĭft')
The act, process, or result of raising or lifting up. An effort or a movement to improve social, moral, or intellectual standards. Geology An upheaval.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History
uplift (v.)
1338, from
up +
lift (v.).
