Ascend/əˈsend/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/2Physical Movement Use 'ascend' for physical movement upwards, like climbing stairs or hills. She began to ascend the staircase to reach the library. Pro Tip 2/2Slow Progress 'Ascend' often implies a gradual or effortful progression, not a sudden movement. The hikers took hours to ascend the steep path.