This is the 406th most frequent German word.
hoch
"High" or "tall."
Here, 'hoch' describes a physical characteristic, specifically the height of a mountain.
Der Berg ist sehr hoch.
The mountain is very high.
In this context, 'hoch' metaphorically describes the level or extent, here related to prices.
Die Preise sind in letzter Zeit ziemlich hoch geworden.
Prices have become quite high recently.
Here, 'hoch' describes the direction or motion of raising the arm upward.