levitate

/ˌlɛvəˈteɪt/

/ˈlɛvɪteɪt/

Other forms: levitated; levitating; levitates

To levitate is to float in the air, defying gravity. It also means to cause something to do that. With a magnetic force — or a magic wand — you might be able to make your teacher levitate above your classroom.

Levitate comes from the Latin levis, meaning “light.” Something that is light can levitate easily. Magicians levitate things like pigs and snowmobiles and women as part of their shows. In architecture, certain structures can be raised or suspended so as to appear to levitate.

Definitions of levitate

1. verb

   cause to rise in the air and float, as if in defiance of gravity
   “The magician levitated the woman”

   synonyms:

   hover

   be suspended in the air, as if in defiance of gravity

   type of:

   bring up, elevate, get up, lift, raise

   raise from a lower to a higher position
2. verb

   be suspended in the air, as if in defiance of gravity
   “The guru claimed that he could levitate”

   synonyms: hover