# airlifted

/ˈɛɹˌɫɪftɪd/ (US) · /ˈeəlɪftɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/airlifted
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to move people or supplies by plane or helicopter, usually in an emergency. You use it when roads are blocked or help must arrive fast.

For teachers: past participle of 'airlift'; to transport people or supplies by aircraft, especially when ground access is blocked or speed is critical.

## Examples

- They airlift food to villages after the flood.
- After the earthquake blocked all roads, doctors and medicine were airlifted to the mountain town.
- When the storm cut off the island's only bridge, emergency crews airlifted generators and medical teams through the night.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.