lift

To move someone or something upward, often using your hands.

• Can you lift this box?
• She lifted the baby onto her lap.
• Bend your knees when lifting heavy bags.

Similar words: raise, pick up

Opposites: lower

Common phrases: lift a box, lift someone up, lift something onto something

To move upward, or to become higher and clear away.

• The fog began to lift.
• His head lifted when he heard his name.
• Smoke lifted above the trees.

Similar words: rise, clear

Opposites: fall, descend

Common phrases: fog begins to lift, lift above something, lift into the air

To take something that belongs to someone else without permission.

• Someone lifted my wallet.
• He was caught lifting watches from the shop.
• She lifted cash from an open bag.

How to use it: lift something from someone/something (Someone lifted her phone from her bag.)

Similar words: steal, swipe

Common phrases: lift a wallet, lift something from someone, lift something from something

A journey in someone else’s vehicle, usually offered to help you get somewhere.

• Do you need a lift?
• My neighbor gave me a lift home.
• We got a lift to the station.

How to use it: give someone a lift to somewhere (Can you give me a lift to the airport?)

Similar words: ride

Common phrases: give someone a lift, get a lift, lift to somewhere, offer a lift

A machine that carries people or goods up and down between floors in a building.

• Take the lift upstairs.
• The lift doors opened on the third floor.
• Are both lifts out of order?

Similar words: elevator

Common phrases: take the lift, lift doors, passenger lift

The amount of weight that a machine or person raises or can raise.

• The maximum lift is ten tonnes.
• This crane can handle a heavier lift.
• Check the weight before attempting the lift.

Similar words: load

Common phrases: maximum lift, heavy lift, lift capacity