lift
v. · n.-
1 to raise up (v.) A2 Elementaryto move something or someone to a higher position.
to move something from a lower to a higher position. Ambitransitive, though typically used with a direct object.
ExampleHe had to lift the heavy box onto the top shelf.
ExampleThe crane was brought in to lift the heavy steel beams to the upper floors of the construction site.
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2 to end a rule (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Lawto officially end a rule, law, or block.
to formally rescind or remove a restriction, ban, or legal requirement.
ExampleThe government decided to lift the travel ban next month.
ExampleAfter months of negotiation, the international community agreed to lift the economic sanctions against the region.
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3 to steal (v.) C1 Advanced Slang Informalto steal something, especially from a shop.
to steal or shoplift items; also used for plagiarising ideas or text without attribution.
ExampleHe was caught trying to lift a bottle of wine from the store.
ExampleThe journalist was accused of lifting entire paragraphs from a rival publication without providing any credit.
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4 a machine for floors (n.) A2 Elementary British English Engineeringa machine that carries people or goods up and down in a building.
a platform or compartment housed in a shaft for raising and lowering people or things to different levels.
ExampleThe lift was broken, so we had to walk up six flights of stairs.
ExampleThe modern office block features high-speed glass lifts that offer a panoramic view of the city skyline.
UsageCommonly called an 'elevator' in American English.
Teacher's tipLearners should be aware that 'lift' is the standard term in the UK, while 'elevator' is preferred in the US.
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5 a ride (n.) B1 Intermediatea free ride in someone's car to a place you want to go.
a free journey in another person's vehicle, typically as a favour.
ExampleMy car is at the garage, so can you give me a lift to work?
ExampleShe offered her colleague a lift home since they both lived in the same suburban neighbourhood.
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6 upward force (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Sciencethe force that keeps an aircraft in the air.
the component of the total aerodynamic force on a body and is perpendicular to the direction of the relative gas or liquid flow.
ExampleThe plane's wings are designed to create lift as it moves forward.
ExampleThe pilot adjusted the flaps to increase lift during the slow approach to the runway.
- updraft
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7 mood improvement (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea feeling of being happier or more hopeful.
a psychological or emotional boost that improves one's spirits or morale.
ExampleWinning the first game gave the whole team a real lift.
ExampleThe positive feedback from the CEO provided a much-needed lift to the department's morale after a difficult quarter.
From Middle English liften, lyften, from Old Norse lypta (“to lift, air”, literally “to raise in the air”), from Proto-Germanic luftijaną (“to raise in the air”), related to luftuz (“roof, air”), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European lewp- (“to peel, break off, damage”) or from a root meaning roof (see luftuz). Cognate with Danish and Norwegian Bokmål løfte (“to lift”), Norwegian Nynorsk and Swedish lyfta (“to lift”), German lüften (“to air, lift”), Old English lyft (“air”). See above. 1851 for the noun sense "a mechanical device for vertical transport". (To steal): For this sense Cleasby suggests perhaps a relation to the root of Gothic 𐌷𐌻𐌹𐍆𐍄𐌿𐍃 (hliftus) "thief", cognate with Latin cleptus and Greek κλέπτω (kléptō)).
From Middle English lifte, luft, lefte (“air, sky, heaven”), from Old English lyft (“atmosphere, air”), from Proto-West Germanic luftu, from Proto-Germanic luftuz (“roof, sky, air”), from Proto-Indo-European *lewp- (“to peel, break off, damage”). Cognate with Old High German luft (“air”) (German Luft), Dutch lucht (“air”), Old Norse lopt, loft (“upper room, sky, air”). Doublet of loft and luft.