upliftn.
/ˈʌplɪft/, U.S. /ˈəpˌlɪft/ 1.
a. The fact of being raised or elevated.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > [noun] > fact of being raised
uplifta1845
a1845 N. P. Willis David's Grief 28 His brow Had the inspired up-lift of the king's.
1890 H. M. Stanley In Darkest Afr. I. xvi. 413 There was uniform uplift and subsidence of the constantly twirling spear blades.
b. spec. An elevation or rise in level, esp. of a portion of the earth's surface.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > formation of features > tectonization or diastrophism > [noun] > upheaval
ridging1499
upheaving1821
upthrow1833
upheaval1838
upheavement1841
uplifting1845
upthrust1846
uplift1853
upraisal1865
bradyseism1896
upwarping1954
updoming1964
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xvii. 128 The false horizon, which I had selected as an index of the uplift, rose as it receded from the sun.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. vii. 82 Indicative of secular uplift of coast.
1878 J. G. Whittier Seeking of Waterfall xix The grand uplift of mountain lines.
1882 Rep. Precious Metals (U.S. Bureau of Mint) i. 619 The assumption of an uplift or elevation of the Sierra Nevada.
2. figurative. An elevating effect, result, or influence in the sphere of morality, emotion, physical condition, etc.In very common use after 1890.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > improvement > [noun]
betteringeOE
amendmentc1230
bote of beam1330
meliorationa1400
upraisingc1400
reformation?a1425
amelioration?a1450
enrichinga1513
amendsa1547
gooding1567
betterment1594
meliorization1599
endearment1612
raisure1613
betterance1614
ascenta1616
ascension1617
enrichmenta1626
improvement1625
booty beam1642
meliorating1647
bonification1652
uplift1873
work1914
pickupa1916
upgrading1920
tone-up1943
stepping1958
upgradation1979
upgrade1980
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > improvement > [noun] > elevating influence or effect
lift1861
uplift1873
1873 J. G. Holland Arthur Bonnicastle i. 22 But it is impossible that he could know what an uplift he gave to the life to which he ministered.
1885 ‘E. F. Byrrne’ Entangled II. ii. viii. 255 The uplift of the heart..towards a sterner and more austere allegiance to duty.
1889 Lancet 28 Sept. 661/1 The rapidity of the uplift in health in many of the cases.
1893 K. L. Bates Eng. Relig. Drama 195 The uplift and the glory of conception melted and were gone.
3. The support or lift gained from a garment that raises part of the body, esp. the bust; the (part of the) garment which achieves this.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > other
netOE
sheepskinc1175
tail1297
panec1300
slipc1440
cukera1500
peak1509
waist1590
bumbarrel1609
winglet1611
armhole1731
fullness1792
stride1807
bottom1820
patte1835
buckling1861
ventilator1870
tie-back1880
shield1884
organ pleat1886
outer1904
flarea1910
uplift1929
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > which achieves uplift
uplift1929
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > which achieves uplift > support gained from
uplift1929
1929 Radio Times 8 Nov. 435/3 A supporting stocking... Its gentle uplift massaging action has a beneficial effect upon the varicose veins.
1934 Times 22 June 17/6 The skirt covers neatly fitting trunks and clings closely to the figure; the top has a knitted uplift.
1955 J. P. Donleavy Ginger Man xxv. 297 Bras the uplift of which will put a new lust into the hearts of these citizens.
1957 Daily Mail 25 Oct. 10/4 When the vulgarity of too much uplift, too much emphasis on the female form finally overwhelmed us Dior sensed it before we did.
1959 Housewife June 22 The bra that gives a natural uplift.
4. An increase (in prices, wages, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > [noun] > (an) increase in price
enhancing1490
hoising1568
enhancement1577
advance1642
rise1645
inflammation1821
exaltation1866
raise1883
surpreciation1884
bulge1890
up1897
hike1931
uplift1949
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > payment for labour or service > wage structures and scales > [noun] > level at which wages set > increase in
hike1931
wage-price spiral1946
wage spiral1948
uplift1949
wage drift1963
wage hike1976
wage inflation1976
1949 Times 26 Oct. 5/5 The whole conception of uplift..assumes that the manufacturer of consumer goods has..two prices, one for sales to the wholesaler and one for direct sale to the retailer.
1952 Sunday Express 15 Nov. These appliances are given an uplift of 100% between the maker and the public.
1955 Canadian Tax Jrnl. 3 99 If the price of the transaction differed [from normal]..an uplift would be applied to the actual sale price to determine price for tax purposes.
1962 E. Godfrey Retail Selling & Organization xv. 158 If goods normally purchased through a wholesaler are bought at a lower price direct from a manufacturer, they may be subject to uplift.
1979 Daily Tel. 1 Dec. 21 The Ford agreement..consists of a 20·5 p.c. uplift in wages plus an extra 1 p.c. to cover an increase in the supplementary payment.
Compounds
C1. General attributive. (In sense 2.)
ΚΠ
1915 Sphere 23 Jan. 110/2 I find in an American paper a scornful reference to one of the ‘uplift’ magazines.
1922 Glasgow Herald 29 Apr. 5/5 It was an ‘uplift’ biography, in the style in which Mr. Smiles earned an unenviable notoriety.
1930 J. Buchan Castle Gay ii. 32 Thomas was beginning to be much in request by uplift societies.
1940 R. S. Lambert Ariel & all his Quality ii. 50 The ‘uplift’ experiment..fell between..the professors of adult education..and the broadcasting experts.
1977 P. Johnson Enemies of Society ix. 122 Schneider and Dornbusch identified four common characteristics in the religion idealized in these uplift books: activism, optimism, individualism and pragmatism.
C2.
uplift bra n. (also uplift brassière) a brassière that provides uplift (sense 3).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > underwear > [noun] > brassière > types of
bandeau1915
uplift bra1932
gay deceiver1942
falsies1943
balconette1947
Wonderbra1947
push-up1955
bralette1973
underwire1973
minimizer1980
T-back1981
1932 Week-End Rev. 1 Oct. 373/1 An ‘up-lift’ brassière would make you look rounder, of course.
1949 M. Mead Male & Female iv. 80 Far enough removed from the up~lift bras and the way Grandfather looks when Grand~daughter wears one of them.
1958 J. D. MacDonald Executioners (1959) vii. 134 She wore nothing under pants and blouse except an uplift bra.
1977 E. J. Trimmer et al. Visual Dict. Sex (1978) iv. 51 The flavour of that era of uplift bras and pencil-skirts is still nostalgically preserved.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
upliftadj.
/ˌʌpˈlɪft/, U.S. /ˌəpˈlɪft/, /ˈəpˌlɪft/ = uplifted adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > making greater in importance > made greater in importance
uphovenc1175
uplifteda1300
uplift1303
greata1400
stately1586
aggrandized1790
weighted1879
high-level1909
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > [adjective] > raised > specifically of part of the body
casta1586
uplift1667
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > [adjective] > lifting > lifted
upahevena1225
ylyfta1387
lift1413
lifted1559
heaved1578
uplifted1597
borne?1611
uplifta1822
upheld1870
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 7086 Almes..ys a ȝyfte; And for þe ȝyuyng, man ys vplyfte.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 987 Wyth lyȝt louez vplyfte þay loued hym swyþe.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 193 Satan talking to his neerest Mate With Head up-lift above the wave. View more context for this quotation
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. xx. 63 How many..admirers, with up-lift hands, I should have!
a1822 P. B. Shelley Fragm. Unfinished Drama 239 O friend, sleep was a veil uplift from Heaven.
1841 C. Kingsley Palinodia 2 Torrent-furrowed slopes, And bare and silent brows uplift to heaven.
1868 ‘G. Eliot’ Spanish Gypsy i. 60 A figure lithe..now stood With ripened arms uplift and regal head.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
upliftv.
/ˌʌpˈlɪft/, U.S. /ˌəpˈlɪft/ 1. † b. To support, assist. Obsolete. rare.
a. transitive. To elevate in rank, honour, estate, or estimation. Also absol. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [verb (transitive)] > attach importance to > make more important
arearc885
upheavea1300
upraisea1300
uphigh13..
enhancec1325
liftc1330
uplift1338
uphebbe1340
uptakec1340
magnifya1382
upreara1382
uphancec1390
preponder?1504
upbring1513
exaggerate1564
greaten1589
weighc1595
to make much matter ofa1649
aggravate1698
aggrandize1709
beef1941
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 72 Þe Londreis..Him for þar kyng vplift, his name was kald Edgar.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter 501 Lord makis pore and he makis riche: he mekis and he vpliftis.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 27 Alisaundre put hem under,..So that the Monarchie lefte With Grecs, and here astat uplefte.
1554–9 in T. Wright Songs & Ballads Philip & Mary (1860) (Roxb.) 3 For of balefull branches and fyere brandes of hel To be members of mersye he hathe us up lyfft.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. v. 197 Your low-laide Sonne, our Godhead will vplift . View more context for this quotation
1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 593/1 He uplifts ordinary things, that they too should be sacred.
1863 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea I. p. x That which will uplift the repute of the far-famed Russian infantry.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [verb (transitive)]
lasteOE
i-hentc1225
uphold?c1225
upbeara1300
sustainc1300
understand13..
uplift1338
maintainc1350
supporta1393
underset1395
buttressc1400
supprise1447
bolster1508
stay1526
stay1526
undershore?a1534
underpropa1535
to hold up by the chin1546
back1548
suborn1548
suffult?c1550
upshore?1567
shoulder1577
upstay1600
underwrite1609
abone1622
crutch1641
float1823
backstop1956
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 55 Þei said he did inouh, þe erle alle vplift, Þe kyng forgaf his wraþe.
c. Scottish. To make proud. (Cf. uplifted adj. 3.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > take pride in [verb (transitive)] > make proud or fill with pride
forwlenchc897
wlenchc1200
empridec1410
prouda1425
enlard?1567
superbiate1628
pride1786
uplift1863
1863 J. L. Watson By-gone Days 176 Though she was sae bonny, that never seemed to uplift her.
d. To elevate morally. (Cf. uplifted adj. 2.)
ΚΠ
1883 A. M. Fairbairn Stud. Relig. & Theol. (1910) 94 The regeneration that changes the man and uplifts the life.
1890 J. Pulsford Loyalty to Christ I. 53 That He may be able to uplift and bless men.
2. To lift up to a higher level or more erect position; to raise, rear, erect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > make to go up or cause to rise [verb (transitive)] > raise
heave971
hevenOE
onheaveOE
rearOE
highOE
arearc1175
to set above (also aloft, high, on high)c1275
upbraidc1275
to set upc1290
lifta1300
upheavea1300
upraisea1300
upreara1300
enhancec1300
araise1303
hance1303
uplifta1340
lift1362
raisec1384
upbear1390
uphancec1390
advancea1393
haut?a1400
to put upa1400
verec1400
hainc1440
inhigh1483
elevate1497
uphigh1513
alifta1522
height1530
heighten1530
exalt1535
extol1549
sublevate1559
rouse?1567
attol1578
elate1578
vaunce1582
dight1590
higher1592
tower1596
to fetch up1612
relevate1620
screwa1625
transcend1635
stilt1649
allevate1696
stiltify1860
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter ci. 11 Vpliftand þou downsmate me.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 48 I uplifte Min hefd with that.
a1400–50 Alexander 805 Þen Alexander in ane ire his arme vp-liftis.
c1440 Ipomydon 1911 Hys swerd in bothe handis he toke..And hertely be dyd it vplyfte.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iv. 70 Theese woords, vplifting both his hands, he toe Iuppiter vttred.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. i. sig. N5v The gentle knight her soone with carefull paine Vplifted light, and softly did vphold.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) v. ii. 207 Slaues..shall Vplift vs to the view. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 646 They pluckt the seated Hills.., and by the shaggie tops Up lifting bore them in thir hands. View more context for this quotation
1757 J. Dyer Fleece ii. 57 Soon..the huge stone Up-lifting to the deck, [they] unmoor'd the bark.
1785 W. Cowper Task iv. 274 The glowing hearth..With faint illumination, that uplifts The shadow to the ceiling.
1820 P. B. Shelley Prometheus Unbound i. i. 27 At thy voice her pining sons uplifted Their prostrate brows.
1846 N. Hawthorne Mosses i. i. 7 The boy uplifted his axe.
1887 Spectator 7 May 626/1 Some internal force has up~lifted the earth's crust along a certain line.
3.
a. Scottish. To collect, levy (rents, etc.); to draw (wages).
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > charges > [verb (transitive)] > collect money
uptake1493
uplift1508
to get in1570
collect1643
society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > getting or making money > get or make money [verb (transitive)] > earn > draw (wages)
lift1748
uplift1896
1508 Reg. Privy Seal Scot. I. 256/2 The males, proffitis and dewiteis to rais, uplift and inbring.
1553 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. I. 139 Under the pane of xl lib., to be upliftit and takin of every Provest.
1617 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1848) II. 354 Vnder the paines following, to be vplifted of the contravenar as oft as they be..convict.
1646 Z. Boyd in Munimenta Alme Univ. Glasguensis (1854) III. 489 I..give the..Colledge full power to uplift the same.
1710 in Minutes of Evid. Nairne Peerage (1873) 44 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. A) XII. 65 Since we have uplifted two thousand of the three thousand merks due to him.
1753 Trial J. Stewart 250 That Glenure..had employed him to uplift the rents from the other tenants.
1869 Act 32 & 33 Victoria c. 116 §7 A power..to enter..the lands disponed in security, and uplift the rents thereof.
1896 S. R. Crockett Cleg Kelly xii He endeavoured to uplift his week's wage before it was due.
b. More generally, to collect or pick up (something other than money); spec. of a bus: to take up (passengers). Chiefly Scottish.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > [verb (transitive)] > take or collect in order to convey
to pick up1820
collect1895
uplift1961
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport or convey in a vehicle [verb (transitive)] > pick up
to take up1689
to pick up1839
uplift1961
1961 Alexander's (Midland) Bus Timetable, Falkirk 171 Only passengers who are travelling beyond Milngavie Cross will be uplifted between Glasgow (Buchanan Street) and Milngavie Cross.
1967 E. Rudinger Wills & Probate 109 The court is asked to confirm that the executors who have sworn the inventory are the persons entitled to up~lift and administer the various items of estate listed in the inventory.
1968 ‘S. Jay’ Sleepers can Kill xvii. 175 Somebody..has left a message for Felson. The objective is to uplift the message without being detected.
1976 Buses XXVII. 421 Near-empty SBG buses, none allowed to uplift potential passengers, glide into town.
1982 G. Hammond Game xii. 129 The letter was waiting at the airport for him. I checked up yesterday, and the letter was uplifted.
4.
a. = raise v.1 14.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > loudness > make a loud sound or noise [verb (transitive)]
upheavea1300
rearc1400
raisea1425
foulder1559
trumpet1729
uplift1816
blast1932
blare1939
1816 W. Scott Black Dwarf xiv, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. I. 252 When he first uplifted the psalm in presence of those persons.
1847 R. W. Emerson Initial, Dæmonic, & Celestial Love in Poems 165 New flowerets bring, new prayers uplift.
a1850 W. C. Bryant Earth 43 Earth Uplifts a general cry for guilt and wrong.
1887 C. Bowen tr. Virgil Æneid vi, in tr. Virgil in Eng. Verse 271 All now..uplift their voices in grief.
b. = raise v.1 34. Cf. uplift n. 4.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > [verb (transitive)] > increase (prices)
raise?a1513
enhance1542
enhaulse1600
exhance1667
inflamea1687
to run up1709
rise1740
to put up1838
hike1904
up1934
price-gouge1940
uplift1962
1962 E. Godfrey Retail Selling & Organization xv. 158 The Inland Revenue Department uplifts the price to what the goods would have cost had they been purchased through a wholesaler.
1971 Timber Trades Jrnl. 14 Aug. 45/2 Devaluation of sterling..technically should have had the effect of uplifting import prices by 16·7%.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.a1845
adj.1303v.1338