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

The following month it announced it had secured a "significant uplift in funding" from Creative Scotland, to be spread over a three-year period.

From BBC

Today, time spent with Mary Richards still has the power to uplift and comfort us as we witness what’s happening to the city she calls home.

From Salon

Credit-card issuers have an uplifting message for investors ahead of retailers’ earnings report: Consumer spending held up well in the last quarter of 2025, and continues to grow at a healthy clip.

From Barron's

In different degrees they provide a sterling example of American “soft power,” projecting uplifting and inspiring images to audiences across the world in the postwar years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both of you have made music that is very uplifting as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excite
• exhilarate
• improve
• lift up