lifesaver
lifesaver Lexical Profile
lifesaver Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person or thing that provides essential help in a time of need, rescuing someone from a difficult situation, disaster, or severe inconvenience.
"Having a backup generator during the prolonged winter power outage was an absolute lifesaver for the family."
A buoyant ring or similar device designed to be thrown to a person in the water to keep them afloat and prevent drowning.
"The sailor quickly tossed a lifesaver into the choppy water when the passenger accidentally fell overboard."
A person trained and employed to rescue bathers or swimmers in danger of drowning, especially at a beach or public pool.
"The volunteer lifesaver spotted the struggling swimmer caught in the rip current and paddled out immediately."
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 19th century: formed as a compound of the noun 'life' and the agent noun 'saver'. The figurative sense of a person or thing that rescues one from a difficult situation emerged in the early 20th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.