From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishelevateel‧e‧vate /ˈelɪveɪt/ ●○○ verb [transitive] 1 formalUP to move someone or something to a more important level or rank, or make them better than before SYN raise Language has elevated humans above the other animals.elevate somebody/something to something Their purpose is to elevate AIDS to the top of government priorities.2 technicalHIGH to lift someone or something to a higher position Gradually elevate the patient into an upright position.► see thesaurus at lift3 technicalINCREASE IN NUMBER OR AMOUNT to increase the amount, temperature, pressure etc of something SYN raise These drugs may elevate acid levels in the blood.→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
elevate• We need candidates who can elevate and inspire the American people.• Stressors of all kinds can elevate blood pressure and induce sudden constriction of the coronary arteries.• This drug tends to elevate body temperature.• He has made comedies, but seems quite without the vision that elevates humour to satire.• Of those who remained, a fortunate and opportunistic few were elevated into the realm of senior management.• The ideology of merit had elevated the grammar school above technical schools, technical schools above secondary moderns.• Returning missionaries spoke to large audiences who were eager to hear how their efforts elevated the heathen.• But Gats elevates the interests of corporations above other aims.• Store owners hope to elevate the mall's image to help improve business.• Lie down and elevate your feet.elevate somebody/something to something• Sloane was elevated to the rank of captain.Origin elevate (1300-1400) Latin elevatus, past participle of elevare “to lift up” 