1. To pass or advance upward through something or some place. The soldiers began moving up through the building to make sure the enemy had been completely eliminated. The wildfire began in southern California and moved up through the state, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

2. To advance upward through a hierarchy, as in a business or military. She first enlisted in the infantry, moving up through the ranks over the years to become one of the top officers of the army. He moved up through the company very quickly in his first couple of years, but then he seemed to stall after becoming regional manager three years ago.