Which term describes keeping something afloat or uplifting it?

The term "buoy" specifically refers to the action of keeping something afloat or providing support, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. In a maritime context, buoyancy is the force that allows objects to float on water, while in a broader sense, it can denote the act of uplifting someone’s spirits or morale. This distinction makes "buoy" the most accurate choice for describing the concept of keeping something afloat or uplifting it compared to the other terms.

The word "ascend" relates to moving upwards but doesn't inherently imply the concept of buoyancy or keeping something afloat. "Lift" generally means to raise something but does not specifically convey the idea of maintaining buoyancy. "Float" refers to something resting on the surface of a fluid but lacks the connotation of support or uplifting in the broader sense. Therefore, "buoy" is the term that encompasses the idea of both support and flotation effectively.