uplift

American  

[uhp-lift, uhp-lift] / ʌpˈlɪft, ˈʌpˌlɪft /

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.

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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 British  

verb

1. to raise; elevate; lift up

2. to raise morally, spiritually, culturally, etc

3. to collect (a passenger, parcel, etc); pick up

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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

Other Word Forms

• uplifter noun
• upliftment noun

Etymology

Origin of uplift

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

Example Sentences

His big-picture challenge for New York is his real uplift — and considerable challenge.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Despite geopolitical uncertainties weighing on the broader market and worries over AI development, Muse said he thinks “we are in the early innings of a multiyear secular uplift for the semi-equipment industry.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The analyst who identified the girl said it was "a huge uplift" that she was able to find the young woman - which is rare for safety researchers working in this field.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Its Asia-Pacific revenue therefore isn’t likely to be materially accretive in the near term, with earnings uplift likely to be progressive, she says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

For the second time she reminded Cora of the lessons in reading and writing, which were optional but recommended, in keeping with their mission of colored uplift, especially for those with aptitude.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

• excite
• exhilarate
• improve
• lift up