aupar

to lift up

verb ow-PAHR Rare

Origin: Possibly from a child's exclamation upa! used when lifting a child, of uncertain origin.

Also means

to boost

Usage Note

Aupar literally means to lift or hoist someone physically, especially a child onto one's shoulders or arms. Figuratively it means to elevate someone to a higher position or status (le auparon a la presidencia — 'they boosted him to the presidency'). The exclamation ¡upa! is used in Spain to encourage a child to climb or be picked up.

Examples

"El padre aupó al niño para que viera mejor."

Natural Translation

The father lifted the child up so he could see better.

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