Definition of "upgrade" []

• To raise to a higher grade or standard: upgrading their military defenses. (verb-transitive)
• To improve the quality of (livestock) by selective breeding for desired characteristics. (verb-transitive)
• Computer Science To replace (a software program) with a more recently released, enhanced version. (verb-transitive)
• Computer Science To replace (a hardware device) with one that provides better performance. (verb-transitive)
• To exchange a possession for one of greater value or quality; trade up. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term upgrade might cause some confusion as it refers to the possibility for XP users to purchase Windows 7 at reduced prices rather than allowing them to upgrade their operating system to Windows 7 which is apparently not possible."
• "Honestly if the upgrade is any more than $100 for those of us that bought Vista, I think Microsoft will have made a massive PR mistake on par with the Xbox 360 red rings of death."
• "Oh, and whenever a security or other upgrade is available it is downloaded and installed automatically, no time limits."