transitive verb promoted -·mot′ed, promoting -·mot′·ing

1. to raise or advance to a higher position or rank she was promoted to manager
2. to help bring about or further the growth or establishment of to promote the general welfare
3. ☆ to further the popularity, sales, etc. of by publicizing and advertising to promote a product
4. ☆ Slang to acquire (something) by devious or cunning means
5. Chess to convert (a pawn that has crossed the board and reached the end row) to a more powerful piece
6. ☆ Educ. to move (a student) forward a grade in school

Etymology: ME promoten < L promotus, pp. of promovere, to move forward: see pro- & move