hotline
hotline Lexical Profile
hotline Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A special telephone service established for the general public to call for emergency assistance, confidential counseling, or specialized information.
"The community center operates a twenty-four-hour crisis hotline for individuals seeking immediate support."
A direct, exclusive telephone or communication link between two heads of state or government agencies, used for immediate contact during an emergency.
"During the diplomatic standoff, the two leaders communicated directly via the emergency hotline."
• Rhymes for hotline
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-20th century from 'hot' (in the sense of immediately active or urgent) and 'line' (telephone connection), popularized in 1963 following the establishment of a direct emergency communication link between Washington, D.C., and Moscow.