noun
Uncommon
savior
SAYV-yuh
Also spelled saviour (UK spelling)
Savior (noun) means someone who rescues another person from harm or danger. Example: “The firefighter became the town's local hero and savior.”
noun
1
Someone who rescues another person from harm or danger.
"The firefighter became the town's local hero and savior."
"The lifeguard was the child's savior when she slipped beneath the waves."
"Neighbours called him their savior after he pulled the family from the flooded house."
name
1
A title for Jesus Christ in Christian belief.
"Christians refer to Jesus as their Savior."
How to use savior
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rescuer, or (capitalized) a title for Jesus Christ.
UK vs US
"Savior" is the American spelling; British and Canadian English use "saviour."
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Word forms
- Plural
- saviors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The firefighter became the town's local hero and _____.
Etymology
From Old French sauveour, from Late Latin salvātor, "one who saves."
Related words
Rhymes for savior
See all rhymes for savior →Frequently asked questions
What does “savior” mean?
The word “savior” means someone who rescues another person from harm or danger. In plain terms, a rescuer, or (capitalized) a title for Jesus Christ.
How do you pronounce “savior”?
“Savior” is pronounced SAYV-yuh (/ˈseɪvjɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “savior” in a sentence?
Here is “savior” used in a sentence: “The firefighter became the town's local hero and savior.”
What part of speech is “savior”?
Depending on how it is used, “savior” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “savior” come from?
The word “savior” comes from Late Latin. From Old French sauveour, from Late Latin salvātor, "one who saves.".
Is “savior” a common word?
“Savior” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “savior” have?
“Savior” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who rescues another person from harm or danger.
What is the difference between savior and hero?
A savior specifically rescues someone from harm or danger, while a hero is a broader term covering anyone admired for courage, skill, or noble qualities, not necessarily someone who rescued another. Every savior can be called a hero, but not every hero has literally saved someone.
When is Savior capitalized?
Savior is capitalized when it is used as a title for Jesus Christ in Christian belief, functioning like a proper name. When it simply means someone who rescues another person from harm, it is written lowercase.
Is savior or saviour the correct spelling?
Savior is the standard American spelling, while saviour is the standard British and Commonwealth spelling. Both forms are pronounced the same and carry identical meanings, including the religious title for Jesus Christ.
