WordGarden.iolifeline
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈaɪflaɪn/
US
- /ˈlaɪˌflaɪn/
Meanings
Noun
something that provides essential help, support, or contact in a difficult situation
a rope, cable, or similar line used to keep someone safe or rescue them from danger
a line on the palm that some people believe reveals things about a person's life or future
Beyond the definition
Imagine being lost at sea after a shipwreck. What would you desperately reach for? A lifeline! But a lifeline isn't just a rope thrown to a drowning person. It's anything that provides crucial help or support, especially during a difficult time.
It can be a literal line—like the one sailors use—but it often refers to something more abstract. A friend who listens when you're struggling is a lifeline. A job that keeps you afloat financially is a lifeline. Even a small act of kindness can feel like a lifeline when you're feeling overwhelmed. The word evokes a sense of desperation and reliance, highlighting the vital importance of connection and support in times of need.
A lifeline originally referred to a rope thrown to someone overboard from a ship, offering them a crucial means of rescue. This literal meaning still exists, but the term has expanded to encompass anything that provides essential help or support during a crisis—a vital connection to safety and survival.
Think about it: when someone is going through a tough time, they might reach for a lifeline by seeking therapy, or be thrown a lifeline by a loved one who offers unwavering encouragement. A helpline for those struggling with mental health issues is a lifeline. Access to food banks can be a lifeline for families facing hardship.
The power of the word lies in its imagery—it suggests a precarious situation where someone is clinging on for dear life, and the lifeline represents their only hope. It emphasizes the importance of connection, support systems, and resources that help people navigate difficult circumstances. It's not just about getting help; it's about having something to hold onto when everything else feels like it's slipping away.
So, whether it's a physical rope or an emotional anchor, a lifeline is anything that offers hope, support, and the possibility of rescue in times of trouble.
Examples
- 1
Boat safety
The sailor grabbed the lifeline and pulled himself back onto the boat.
- 2
Emergency communication
During the blackout, the radio became our lifeline to the outside world.
- 3
Personal support
Her older sister was a lifeline for her during her first year at college.
- 4
Local economy
Tourism is an economic lifeline for many small coastal towns.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emergency help
The emergency loan threw the company a lifeline.
- Phrasethrow someone a lifeline
give someone help when they are in serious trouble
- 6
Quiz show
On the quiz show, he used his last lifeline to ask the audience.
- Domain
in a quiz or game, a lifeline is a special chance to get help
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lifelinenoun
Forms
- lifelinespluralnoun