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Definition of lifeline

lifeline

/ˈlaɪf.laɪn/
life · line
Plural:lifelines
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lifeline Lexical Profile

lifeline Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Something or someone on which a person or organization depends for survival, vital support, or escape from a difficult situation.

Example

"The emergency grant provided a crucial financial lifeline for small businesses during the economic downturn."

2

A rope or line used for saving lives, such as one thrown to rescue a person in the water or attached to a diver, sailor, or mountaineer for safety.

Example

"The coast guard crew threw a lifeline to the stranded swimmer and pulled him aboard the rescue boat."

3

In palmistry, a major crease on the palm of the hand curving around the base of the thumb, traditionally believed to indicate the length and vitality of a person's life.

Example

"The fortune-teller traced the deep lifeline on his palm and predicted a long, healthy future."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lifeline

• Nearby Words

lifelessness
lifelike
lifelikeness
lifeline
lifelong
lifer
liferaft

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century as a nautical compound of 'life' and 'line', originally referring to a rope rigged on a ship's deck for sailors to grasp during stormy weather.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lifeline. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lifeline
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