Josh Murfitt ascent as⋅cent [uh-sent] –noun 1. an act of ascending; upward movement; a rising movement: the ascent of a balloon. 2. movement upward from a lower to a higher state, degree, grade, or status; advancement: His ascent to the governorship came after a long political career. 3. the act of climbing or traveling up: Three climbers attempted the ascent of Mount Rainier. 4. the way or means of ascending; upward slope; acclivity. 5. a movement or return toward a source or beginning. 6. the degree of inclination; gradient: a steep ascent. a home a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ascent asleep assassin astray atmosphere autumn avert away