Learn English – “Lifting a ban” — why does “lifting” mean “removing”

etymologymeaningverbs

In all other cases "moving something up" means creating or increasing something, like in "rising concern" or "erecting obstacles". At the same time "lifting a ban" means effectively removing the ban. What is a historical explanation of appearance of such expression? I can only suggest that this came from the lifting a castle's gates which allows passage. Is this true?

Best Answer

It's a variation on the theme of lifting a weight off someone/something. You lift the heavy load that was restraining a man and let him move faster.