ascent
/əˈsɛnt
/noun [usually in singular]
1A climb or walk to the summit of a mountain or hill: the first ascent of the Matterhorn...
- It was he who first taught me that the ascent of mountains was an act of mystery, a way in to the greatest perplexities of human place in the land.
- The fact that the route over the mountain began with the ascent of the steepest face, and that this was the route of frequent steeplechases, was not coincidental.
- For people in the prime of their youth - and with perfect sight - the ascent of the mountain can be a demanding and dangerous business.
Synonyms
climb, scaling, conquest, scramble, clamber, trek
1.1An upward slope or path that one may walk or climb: the ascent grew steeper...
- Luckily when you are on the ascent the path cleverly twists and turns over the one-step streams to make the going reasonable, avoiding the worst.
- Keep going, however, and an ascent up sloping bedrock will be found at the end on the right.
- This was a long, challenging day with groups climbing either Number 4 Gully or Ledge Route rather than the easier ascent by the tourist path.
Synonyms
(upward) slope, incline, ramp, rise, bank, tilt, slant, upward gradient, inclination, acclivity
2An instance of rising or moving up through the air: the first balloon ascent was in 1783...
- In July 1925 Friedmann made a record-breaking ascent in a balloon to 7400 metres to make meteorological and medical observations.
- Wind measurements were performed every 4 h by tracking the ascent of a pilot balloon by radar.
- As the balloon continued its ascent, propelled by the heat from the flames, gas tanks inside the balloon ignited and caused an explosion.
Synonyms
rise, upward movement, take-off, lift-off, launch, blast-off, climb, levitation, soaring;
jump, leap;
Christianity Ascension
2.1A rise to a higher social or professional rank: his ascent to power...
- There has, however, been an unexpected twist to the tale that may serve as a warning for other successful entrepreneurs dreaming of a swift ascent to celebrity land through the magic door of television.
- Her ascent to the presidentship of the Kerala Electricity Board Employees Confederation had attracted attention not least because of the controversy it led to.
- His ascent to his current post would be because Secretary Rice has confidence is his ability and character, not because he is a stalking horse for the Democrats.
Origin
Late 16th century: from ascend, on the pattern of the pair of descend, descent.