lift up something—
1. physically raise or lift smth.:
- The bathroom door was hanging by one hinge, and you had to lift it up at the edge in order to even close it.
2. elevate smth. in rank, honor, etc.:
- These studies discuss the attempt of the Chinese in Malaya to establish various organizations for the Chinese to lift up their status.
3. (in the phrase “lift up one’s eyes”) look upwards:
- He didn’t lift up his eyes but looked to the ground. He was utterly ashamed of himself.
4. (in the phrase “lift up one’s voice”) make one’s voice louder (to be heard more clearly or in anger):
- “I didn’t know,” she cried out, lifting up her voice. “How could I help!”
5. (in the phrase “lift up one’s voice”) express one’s strong opinion about smth.:
- But if he saw this corruption, why did he not there and then lift up his voice against it.
uplift something—
1. = lift up something 1:
- As tectonic forces uplifted the island, this limestone was exposed to rainwater and began to dissolve.
2. = lift up something 2:
- She has not only uplifted the status of Chinese Opera, but has firmly placed Singapore on the cultural map of the world.
3. collect or pick up smth.:
- Somebody has left a message for Felson. The objective is to uplift the message without being detected.