# deadlift

Pronunciation: say "DED-lift" /ˈdɛdˌlɪft/

## Noun

1. A weight training exercise in which a loaded barbell is lifted off the ground from a stabilized bent-over position.
   - Simple: A strength exercise where you lift a heavy bar off the floor until you stand up straight.
   - _The deadlift is one of the most effective exercises for building overall strength._
   - _He set a personal record in the deadlift at last weekend's meet._
3. A raising of a heavy object by direct force alone, without mechanical help or leverage.
   - Simple: A lift of something heavy using only your own strength, with no tools or machines to help.
   - _Without any tackle on hand, hauling the engine block up was a sheer deadlift._
   - _They managed the deadlift of the fallen log through sheer muscle._
4. A strenuous effort carried on under discouraging or unfavorable conditions.
   - Simple: A hard effort made when things seem hopeless or stacked against you.
   - _Rebuilding the team after so many injuries was a season-long deadlift._
   - _Passing the bill became a deadlift against a hostile committee._

## Verb

2. To raise a loaded barbell from the floor to a standing position by straightening the hips and knees.
   - Simple: To lift a heavy bar off the floor by straightening your body from a bent-over position.
   - _Few gym-goers can deadlift that much weight without a lifting belt._
   - _She deadlifted the loaded bar smoothly on her final attempt._

## Origin

Formed from "dead" plus "lift."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/deadlift (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).