lift

UK: lɪft | US: lɪft

Definition

  1. v. to raise or move something upward

  2. v. to steal (informal)

  3. n. an act of lifting

  4. n. a device for transporting people or goods vertically (e.g., elevator)

  5. n. a free ride in a vehicle

Structure
lif <raise>t <verb suffix>
Etymology

lift = lif<raise> + t<verb suffix>

  • lif (from Old Norse lypta, meaning "to raise")
  • t (a common verb-forming suffix in Old English and Old Norse)

Etymology Origin:
The word "lift" originates from Old Norse lypta, which meant "to raise." It was adopted into Middle English as liften, retaining the core meaning of upward movement. Over time, the spelling simplified to "lift," and its usage expanded to include mechanical devices (elevators) and informal contexts (e.g., stealing). The dual meaning of physical elevation and metaphorical "lifting" (e.g., stealing) reflects its versatile Germanic roots.

Examples

  1. She used a lever to lift the heavy box.

  2. He was caught trying to lift a wallet from the store.

  3. The ski lift takes visitors to the mountain peak.

  4. Can you give me a lift to the train station?

  5. Regular exercise helps lift your mood.