1 [with object] go up or climb:she ascended the stairs [no object]:we had ascended 3,000 ft
climb to the summit of (a mountain or hill):the first traveller to ascend the mountain
(of a fish or boat) move upstream along (a river):salmon ascend rivers from the sea to spawn
2 [no object] rise or move up through the air:the lift ascended from his sight
(of a road or flight of steps) slope or lead up:the road ascends to the loch (as adjective ascending)a gently ascending forest track
move up to a higher social or professional rank:some executives ascend to top-level positions
(ascend to/into heaven) (of a spiritual being or soul) go to heaven:the Prophet ascended to heaven (as adjective ascended)the risen and ascended Christ
(of a voice or sound) rise in pitch:Carolyn’s voice had ascended into high-pitched giggles
