rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryascendUpward movement
verb

ascend

uh-SEND/əˈsend/

To move to a higher position.

The woman ascends the staircase, pushing upward from the lower step.

A woman actively climbs a short staircase, with her leading foot planted on a higher step and her trailing foot pushing off below, clearly showing upward movement.
Etymology
aLatinto, toward
+scendLatinto climb

The directional prefix and “climb” combine in the sense “climb up.” Latin already extended this physical movement to figurative rising or reaching, connecting upward motion with attaining a higher position.

In context

The Best Seat in History99:58
I will ascend to the heavens. I will lift my throne higher. I will sit enthroned on the mountain of the gods. I will rise above the tops of the clouds.
You've Been Wrong About Temptation (The Bible Explains Why)

More examples

  • The balloon ascended above the trees.
  • She ascended to the leadership of the organization.
  • The scale ascends from a low note to a high one.

Forms

ascend · ascends · ascended · ascending

Similar words

rise
A broader upward movement that need not involve a path.
climb
Often involves effort or using hands and feet.