Definition of: erect

(i·rekt′) v.t.
1. To construct, as a house; build.
2. To assemble the parts of; set up.
3. To set upright; lift up: to erect a flagpole.
4. To construct or establish; formulate, as a theory.
5. Geom. To draw upon a given base, as a geometrical figure.
6. Optics To cause (an inverted image) to become upright.
7. Obs. To raise to a higher position; exalt. See synonyms under CONSTRUCT, INSTITUTE, RAISE.
—adjective
1. Upright in position, form, or person; vertical.
2. Directed upward.
3. Free from depression or humiliation.
4. Attentive; alert. [<L erectus, pp. of erigere <e- out + regere make straight]
—e·rect′ly adverb
—e·rect′ness noun