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

Poltz’s one-man concerts are joyous affairs that celebrate music’s power to uplift, entertain and unify. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Her work focuses on protecting the ocean’s fragile ecosystem and uplifting the female voice. —Photovogue, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026

Noun

Analysts at Citi upgraded the stock to a buy from a neutral rating, anticipating an uplift in CPU sales for all suppliers over the next few years. —Samantha Subin,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026

Hawley estimates that adopting sustainability practices incentivized by the uplift may cost productions one to three percent more, though it’ll be offset by the five percent bump to the base credit. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 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