raise

Raise is a versatile English verb with several related meanings. At its core, it means to lift or move something to a higher position, often implying effort or technique. It also means to increase something in amount, degree, or intensity, and, in a broader sense, to bring something into existence or to bring up someone or something.

Physical raising includes actions such as raising a ladder, raising a flag, or hoisting sails on a vessel. It can also refer to construction work that lifts components into place, and in agriculture or horticulture to raise crops or plants. People may raise a hand to signal, raise a voice to argue a point, or raise funds for a cause.

Beyond physical action, raise appears in economic and social contexts. To raise money or raise funds means to increase the amount available for a project. A raise is also a salary increase granted by an employer. Phrases such as raise awareness, raise concerns, or raise questions indicate bringing attention or inquiry to a matter.

In computing, raise commonly denotes triggering an exception or error in some programming languages (for example, Python's raise statement). In databases with procedural languages, a RAISE command can generate messages or signals. In mathematics, one speaks of a number raised to a power.

Raise is often paired with prepositions to form common expressions, such as raise up, raise the bar, or raise a glass in a toast. The word spans everyday language and specialized domains, reflecting its broader sense of lifting, elevating, or increasing.