as·cend / əˈsend/ • v. 1. [tr.] go up or climb: she ascended the stairs | [intr.] new magmas were created and ascended to the surface. ∎  climb to the summit of (a mountain or hill): the first traveler to ascend the mountain. ∎  (of a fish or boat) move upstream along (a river).2. [intr.] rise through the air: we had ascended 3,000 ft. ∎  (of a road or flight of steps) slope or lead up: the road ascends to the lake. ∎  move up the social or professional scale: he took exams to ascend through the ranks. ∎  (ascend to) rise to (an important position or a higher level): some executives ascend to top-level positions. ∎  (of a spiritual being or soul) rise into heaven: the Prophet ascended to heaven. ∎  (of a voice or sound) rise in pitch.PHRASES: ascend the throne become king or queen.

ascend XIV. — L. ascendere, f. AD- + scandere climb.
So ascendant XIV. — (O)F. — prp. of L. ascendere. ascendancy XVIII.