Lifesaver Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lifesaver

[ˈlaɪfˌseɪvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

emergency

A lifesaver is a person or thing that saves someone from a dangerous or difficult situation, especially when they are in great danger.

Synonyms

hero, rescuer, savior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lifesaver	Used to describe someone or something that comes to assist in a critical situation, often unexpectedly. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical situations. This portable charger is a lifesaver when my phone runs out of battery. The paramedic was a real lifesaver after the car accident.
hero	Typically used to refer to someone who performs a brave or selfless act, often with the implication of risking their own safety for others. It usually carries a very positive connotation. The firefighter who rescued the children from the burning building is a true hero. In the movie, the hero saves the day against all odds.

Word

Description / Examples

lifesaver

Used to describe someone or something that comes to assist in a critical situation, often unexpectedly. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical situations.

This portable charger is a lifesaver when my phone runs out of battery.
The paramedic was a real lifesaver after the car accident.

hero

Typically used to refer to someone who performs a brave or selfless act, often with the implication of risking their own safety for others. It usually carries a very positive connotation.

The firefighter who rescued the children from the burning building is a true hero.
In the movie, the hero saves the day against all odds.

Examples of usage

The paramedics were the real lifesavers in that situation.
Having a flashlight in your car can be a lifesaver in case of emergencies.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

beach

A lifesaver is a buoyant device, typically ring-shaped, used in water rescues to help keep a person afloat until they can be rescued.

Synonyms

floatation device, life preserver, lifebuoy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lifesaver	Used to describe any object or action that saves someone from a difficult or dangerous situation, not limited to water-related scenarios. That extra phone charger was a real lifesaver during the trip. Her advice was a lifesaver when I didn't know what to do next.
life preserver	Commonly used term in American English specifically for devices like life jackets that keep a person afloat in water, generally in emergency situations. Grab a life preserver from under your seat in case of an emergency. The life preserver saved him when he fell off the boat.
lifebuoy	Specifically refers to the ring-shaped device that is thrown to someone in the water to help them float. Frequently found on boats and near bodies of water. The lifeguard threw a lifebuoy to the swimmer struggling in the waves. Every pool should have a lifebuoy easily accessible.
floatation device	Refers to any equipment designed to keep someone afloat in water. Often used in formal contexts or product descriptions. Make sure every passenger has a floatation device before we set sail. Children should always wear a floatation device when swimming in the lake.

Examples of usage

The lifeguard threw the lifesaver to the struggling swimmer in the water.
It's important to always have a lifesaver nearby when swimming in the ocean.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In the 1990s, the term gained popularity when it was used to refer to heroes in movies and TV shows who rescue people from peril.
The candy known as 'Lifesavers' was introduced in 1912 and became iconic, representing sweet enjoyment that can metaphorically 'save' a bad day.

Safety and Rescue

Lifesavers are not just people; they can include equipment like life vests, swimming rings, and rescue boats, all essential in emergency situations.
Organizations such as the Red Cross train numerous lifesavers who help in various emergencies, from drowning prevention to first aid.

Medicine

In medical terms, a lifesaver can refer to devices like defibrillators, which can restart a heart during a crisis.
Life-saving procedures like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are taught globally to empower bystanders to act as lifesavers during emergencies.

Literature

The concept of a lifesaver appears in many novels and stories, often symbolizing hope and rescue during dark times.
Characters described as lifesavers often embody heroic qualities that inspire bravery and selflessness in others.

Origin of 'lifesaver'

Main points about word origin

The term derives from the late 19th century and originally referred to a ring buoy used in rescues.
It combines 'life', meaning existence, and 'saver', which indicates someone or something that helps or protects.

The term 'lifesaver' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'life' and 'saver'. It initially referred to a device used to save a person from drowning. Over time, the term evolved to also represent a person who saves others from danger or difficulty. The concept of a lifesaver embodies the idea of providing assistance and protection in critical situations.