v.
- raise or be raised to a higher position or level.
▸raise (someone's spirits or confidence).
- pick up and move to a different position.
▸transport by air.
▸
(lift off)
(of an aircraft, spacecraft, etc.) take off, especially vertically.
▸dig up (root vegetables or plants).
- formally remove or end (a legal restriction, ban, etc.).
- carry off or win (a prize or event).
▸informal steal.
n.
- Brit. a platform or compartment housed in a shaft for raising and lowering people or things.
▸a device for carrying people up or down a mountain.
- an act or instance of lifting.
▸upward force exerted by the air on an aerofoil or other structure, counteracting gravity.
▸the maximum weight that an aircraft can raise.
- a free ride in another person's vehicle.
- a feeling of confidence or cheerfulness.
- a built-up heel or device in a boot or shoe.
Phrase
- lift a finger
(or hand)
[usu. with neg.]
make the slightest effort.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from ON lypta, of Gmc origin; rel. to loft.