uplift

1 of 2

verb

up·​lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift 

uplifted; uplifting; uplifts

transitive verb

1

: to lift up : elevate

especially : to cause (a portion of the earth's surface) to rise above adjacent areas

2

: to improve the spiritual, social, or intellectual condition of

music that uplifts the soul

intransitive verb

: rise

uplifter noun

uplift

2 of 2

noun

up·​lift ˈəp-ˌlift 

1

: an act, process, result, or cause of uplifting: such as

a(1)

: the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface

(2)

: an uplifted mass of land

b

: a bettering of a condition especially spiritually, socially, or intellectually

c(1)

: influences intended to uplift

(2)

: a social movement to improve especially morally or culturally

2

: a bra designed to hold the breasts up

Synonyms of uplift

Verb

• lift
• elevate
• raise

Examples of uplift in a Sentence

Verb

music that uplifts the soul

geologic forces that uplifted the mountains

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

He’s decided to use the massive platform that is Old Navy to uplift his colleagues at home. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

And uplifted by his relationships with current broadcast partners Ryan Lefebvre (since 1999), Steve Stewart (since 2008) and Jake Eisenberg (since 2023). — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

Mike Leiba, the CEO of production finance platform GreenSlate, says the bill seems especially well designed to be an uplift for other state programs and will be very impactful for independent productions shooting all over the country. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

Productions that film at least half of their days and spend at least $10 million in qualified compensation in 10 or more states also could qualify for an additional uplift. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

uplift

1 of 2 verb

up·​lift (ˌ)əp-ˈlift 

1

: to lift up : elevate

2

: to improve the spiritual, mental, or social condition of

uplift

2 of 2 noun

up·​lift ˈəp-ˌlift 

1

: an act, process, or result of uplifting

especially : the uplifting of a part of the earth's surface

2

: moral or social improvement or a movement to make such improvement