Deliverance: meaning, definitions and examples

Deliverance typically has a formal or religious connotation and is often used in contexts where someone is freed from very difficult or dangerous circumstances, sometimes with the help of a higher power.

• He prayed for deliverance from his suffering.
• The villagers saw the end of the drought as a deliverance from hardship.

Rescue is commonly used in emergency situations where someone is saved from immediate danger or harm. It does not carry religious or formal connotations.

• The firefighters executed a daring rescue of the trapped family.
• They were stranded on the mountain until a helicopter came to their rescue.

Liberation is used in contexts involving freedom from oppression or control, often related to political or social situations.

• The country's liberation from colonial rule was celebrated with a national holiday.
• The movement fought for the liberation of the oppressed workers.

Salvation usually has a religious or spiritual context, referring to being saved from sin, danger, or harm. It can also mean being saved from a dire situation.

• She found salvation in her faith during the darkest times.
• The project's success was seen as the company's salvation from financial ruin.

Use when discussing being rescued from a dangerous or difficult situation.

• The firefighters played a crucial role in the deliverance of the trapped miners.
• She prayed for deliverance from her fears.

Use when discussing the idea of making up for past mistakes or wrongdoing, often through positive actions or changes.

• His community service was his path to redemption.
• The movie explores themes of guilt and redemption.

Use in religious or spiritual contexts when talking about being saved from sin or its consequences. It can also be used more generally for being saved from a dire situation.

• Many people seek spiritual salvation through their faith.
• The rescue boat was their salvation in the storm.

Use when talking about pardoning someone for a mistake or wrong they have committed.

• She sought forgiveness from her friend after their argument.
• Forgiveness is essential for healing relationships.

Used in contexts involving rescue or liberation from a difficult situation.

• The survivors prayed for deliverance from the dangerous storm.
• She felt a sense of deliverance when she finally escaped the abusive relationship.

Commonly used in informal or casual conversations to refer to a motion picture.

• Let's go see a movie this weekend.
• That was the best movie I've seen in years.

Typically used in more formal or academic settings to refer to a motion picture.

• The film received critical acclaim at the international festival.
• She studied the history of French film in college.

Refers to a genre of film or literature that is characterized by excitement, suspense, and tension.

• The new thriller kept me on the edge of my seat.
• She loves reading thrillers because they are so captivating.