raise
UK[reɪz]US[reɪz]
v
To lift or move something to a higher position or level.
v
To increase the amount, level, or strength of something.
v
To cause something to exist or to be considered.
v
To collect or bring together money or people.
n
An increase in the amount of money you are paid for your work.
Etymology
The verb 'raise' entered Middle English from Old Norse 'reisa', which itself is a causative formation from the Proto-Germanic root raisijaną, meaning "to cause to rise". This causative sense is key, distinguishing it from the intransitive 'rise'. The ultimate origin is the Proto-Indo-European root h₁reyH- ("to rise, to move upward"). The word's journey from a concrete physical action ("to lift up") to more abstract meanings ("to increase," "to bring into existence") is a classic example of semantic broadening, where the core causative logic of elevating something is applied to non-physical domains like prices, questions, or funds.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Scandinavian origin. The modern English form 'raise' is a causative verb derived from the Old Norse 'reisa', meaning "to cause to rise". Its functional role is as a whole lexical root.
Examples
She had to raise her voice to be heard over the noise.
The company decided to raise salaries by five percent this year.
The charity event managed to raise a significant amount for the new hospital wing.