Lift (force)
![Boeing 747-8F landing](/Images/godic/202501/24/Boeing_747-8_N747EX_First_Flight0835.jpg")
![Lift is defined as the component of the total aerodynamic force perpendicular to the flow direction, and drag is the component parallel to the flow direction](/Images/godic/202501/24/Airfoil_lift_and_drag0835.jpg")
![A cross-section of a wing defines an airfoil shape](/Images/godic/202501/24/Airfoil_cross_section0835.jpg")
![Newton's third law says that for every action there is an equal and opposite re-action. When an airfoil deflects air downwards, the air exerts an upward force on the airfoil.](/Images/godic/202501/24/NASANewtons3rdGlennResearchCenter0835.gif")
A fluid flowing past the surface of a body exerts a force on it. Lift is the component of this force that is perpendicular to the oncoming flow direction. It contrasts with the drag force, which is the component of the surface force parallel to the flow direction. If the fluid is air, the force is called an aerodynamic force. In water, it is called a hydrodynamic force.