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

Micron’s initial guide for its fiscal second quarter, ended in February, suggested a roughly 30% uplift in the average price at which Micron sells its flash products per unit.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

I figured out that this chore fit right in with the Buxton Settlement Creed: “One helping one to uplift all.”

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Related Words

• excite
• exhilarate
• improve
• lift up