Legal Definitions - lifetime gift

Lift (verb)

• 1. To stop or put an end to; to revoke or rescind. This usage refers to the act of removing or terminating a restriction, prohibition, or legal order that was previously in place.

  • Example 1: After reviewing new evidence, the judge decided to lift the gag order that had prevented the parties from discussing the case publicly. This means the restriction on public discussion was removed.

  • Example 2: The city council voted to lift the temporary moratorium on new construction permits, allowing developers to resume submitting applications. Here, the temporary ban on new permits was ended.

• 2. To discharge or pay off (a debt or obligation). In this context, "lift" means to fulfill or satisfy a financial burden or legal duty, thereby removing it.

  • Example 1: The company worked diligently to lift the outstanding tax lien on its corporate headquarters by paying the full amount owed to the government. By paying the debt, the lien was removed.

  • Example 2: Upon making the final payment, Sarah was able to lift the car loan, meaning her financial obligation for the vehicle was completely satisfied. The debt was paid off.

• 3. (Slang) To steal. This informal usage refers to the act of taking something unlawfully or without permission.

  • Example 1: Security cameras captured footage of an individual attempting to lift a high-value electronic item from the display shelf. The individual was trying to steal the item.

  • Example 2: The journalist was accused of trying to lift confidential documents from the government office to use in their story. This implies an attempt to unlawfully take the documents.