1British a platform or compartment housed in a shaft for raising and lowering people or things to different levels:Alice went up to the second floor in the lift [as modifier]:the lift door opened
a device incorporating a moving cable for carrying people up or down a mountain:we zigzagged across the mountain from one lift to the next
a built-up heel or device worn in a boot or shoe to make the wearer appear taller or to correct shortening of a leg.
2an act of lifting:weightlifters attempting a particularly heavy lift
[mass noun] upward force exerted by the air on an aerofoil or other structure, counteracting gravity:separate engines provide lift and generate forward speed
the maximum weight that an aircraft can raise:the Puma tactical transport helicopter has a total lift of up to 5,500 lb
[mass noun] Cricket the tendency of a ball bowled to rise sharply on bouncing.
a rise in price, level, or amount:the company has already produced a 10 per cent lift in profits
informal an instance of stealing or plagiarizing something:in a speech he adopted the President’s familiar hand motions—it was a lift
3a free ride in another person’s vehicle:Miss Green is giving me a lift to school
4 [in singular] a feeling of confidence or cheerfulness:winning this match has given everyone a lift
ზმნა
Universal
1 [with object] raise to a higher position or level:he lifted his trophy over his head
move (one’s eyes or face) to face upwards and look at someone or something:he lifted his eyes for an instant
[no object] move upwards; be raised:Thomas’s eyelids drowsily lifted
[no object] (of a cloud, fog, etc.) move upwards or away:the factory smoke hung low, never lifted
increase the volume of (one’s voice):she lifted her voice in a great shoutWillie sang boldly, lifting up his voice
increase (a price or amount):the building society lifted its interest rates by 0.75 of a point
perform cosmetic surgery on (part of the body) to reduce sagging:surgeons lift and remove excess skin from the face and neck
dig up (plants or root vegetables):the end of September is the time to lift and store carrots
2 [with object and adverbial of direction] pick up and move to a different position:he lifted her down from the pony’s back
transport by air:a helicopter lifted 11 crew to safety from the ship
enable (someone or something) to escape from an unpleasant situation:the best way to lift nations out of poverty is through trade
improve the rank or position of (a person or team):this victory lifted United into third place
3 [with object] raise (a person’s spirits or confidence):we heard inspiring talks which lifted our spirits
[no object] (of a person’s mood) become happier:suddenly his heart lifted and he could have wept with relief
4 [with object] formally remove or end (a legal restriction, decision, or ban):the European Community lifted its oil embargo against South Africa
5 [with object] carry off or win (a prize or event):she staged a magnificent comeback to lift the British Open title
use (a person’s work or ideas) without permission or acknowledgement:this is a hackneyed adventure lifted straight from a vintage Lassie episode
informal steal (something):the shirt she had lifted from a supermarket
informal arrest (someone):that night the army came and lifted Buckley
lift a finger (or hand)
[usually with negative] make the slightest effort to do something, especially to help someone:he never lifted a finger to get Jimmy released from prison
lift his (or its) leg
informal (of a male dog) urinate.
lift off
(of an aircraft, spacecraft, or rocket) take off, especially vertically:the helicopters lifted off at 1030 hours
