(mathematics) A theorem in operator theory, stating that, if T is a contraction on a Hilbert space H, and U is its minimal unitary dilation acting on some Hilbert space K, and R is an operator on H commuting with T, then there is an operator S on K commuting with U such that RTⁿ=P_HSUⁿ|_H;∀n≥0, and ‖S‖=‖R‖. In other words, an operator from the commutant of T can be "lifted" to an operator in the commutant of the unitary dilation of T.