noun
lifeline
LYF-lyn
noun
1
Something essential that keeps a person, group, or system going, especially in a crisis.
"The food aid became a lifeline for the flooded village."
"Her weekly phone call was his lifeline during isolation."
2
A rope used to keep someone from falling or drowning, or to help them stay attached to a boat or structure.
"The sailor clipped his harness to the lifeline in rough seas."
How to Use Lifeline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crucial source of help or safety, or literally a safety rope.
Common pairings
a lifeline to
throw someone a lifeline
economic lifeline
Word Forms
lifelines plural
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The food aid became a _____ for the flooded village.
Etymology
A compound of life + line, originally describing a literal rope that could save someone from drowning.