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.

---

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

---

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 study found 72% of players experienced an uplift in mood while playing the game.

From BBC • 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

Part of the organization’s mission was not only to uplift African American storytelling through movement, but to also highlight Black culture from across the globe.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 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

Clearly there had to be some additional process, some form of renewal and uplift, that created new hills and mountains to keep the cycle going.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• excite
• exhilarate
• improve
• lift up