erguer

Senses

1. 1.

   to raise, to lift

   to move something upward or elevate it physically

2. 2.

   to build, to erect

   to construct a building or structure

3. 3.

   to raise up, to stand up

   to rise or stand up (reflexive: erguer-se)

Examples

• "Ela ergueu a mão para fazer uma pergunta."

  She raised her hand to ask a question.

• "A empresa ergueu um novo prédio no centro da cidade."

  The company built a new building in the city center.

• "O povo se ergueu contra a injustiça."

  The people rose up against injustice.

Usage

Erguer is a formal/literary alternative to "levantar" (to raise/lift). Common collocations include "erguer a voz" (to raise one's voice), "erguer-se" (to stand up, to rise), and "erguer um monumento" (to erect a monument). In everyday speech, "levantar" is more frequently used.