levitate

American  

[lev-i-teyt] / ˈlɛv ɪˌteɪt /

verb (used without object)

levitated, levitating

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

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verb (used with object)

levitated, levitating

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

levitate British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• levitation
  noun
• levitator
  noun

Etymology

Origin of levitate

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

Explanation

To levitate is to float in the air, defying gravity. It also means to cause something to do that. With a magnetic force — or a magic wand — you might be able to make your teacher levitate above your classroom. Levitate comes from the Latin levis, meaning “light.” Something that is light can levitate easily. Magicians levitate things like pigs and snowmobiles and women as part of their shows. In architecture, certain structures can be raised or suspended so as to appear to levitate.

Example Sentences

I can’t wait to find out whether or not the rest of Levitate moves at this frenetic pace.

From The Verge • May 6, 2016