parachute
parachute Lexical Profile
parachute Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A folding, umbrella-like canopy of light fabric used to safely slow the descent of a person or object falling through the air.
"The skydiver pulled the ripcord, and her parachute deployed gracefully against the blue sky."
A protective measure or safeguard that provides security in an emergency, often referencing a lucrative severance package in business.
"The ousted CEO negotiated a golden parachute before agreeing to step down."
• verb
To drop or descend from an aircraft using a parachute.
"Emergency supplies were parachuted into the flooded village by the air force."
To appoint someone to a position suddenly from outside the organization, often bypassing internal candidates.
"The board decided to parachute an external consultant into the managing director role."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in French in the late 18th century (around 1785) by aeronaut François Blanchard, from 'para-' (defense against) + 'chute' (a fall).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.