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Saviors: meaning, definitions and examples

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saviors

 

[ˈseɪvjərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious belief

In many religious contexts, 'saviors' refers to beings or figures that deliver individuals or groups from harm, sin, or spiritual death. Often, this term is used in a Christian context to describe Jesus Christ, who is believed to save humanity from its sins.

Synonyms

deliverers, redeemers, rescuer.

Examples of usage

  • Many consider Jesus to be the ultimate savior of mankind.
  • In various cultures, deities are seen as saviors of their people.
  • The concept of saviors exists in multiple religions around the world.
  • The story portrays heroes as saviors during times of crisis.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative use

The term 'saviors' can also be used to describe individuals who provide help or solutions in critical situations, often seen as benevolent figures. This usage emphasizes the role of such individuals in improving or saving the lives of others.

Synonyms

champions, helpers, heroes.

Examples of usage

  • To many, volunteers during natural disasters are seen as everyday saviors.
  • The doctor was regarded by the community as one of their saviors.
  • In the tech world, innovators are often viewed as saviors of industries.
  • Activists are often the saviors in social justice movements.

Interesting Facts

Religious Context

  • Many religions, like Christianity, refer to a savior as a divine figure who redeems people from sin and leads them to safety.
  • In Hinduism, different gods and goddesses, such as Krishna, are viewed as saviors who come to restore balance and protect dharma (moral order).
  • In Buddhism, the concept of bodhisattvas parallels saviors, as these enlightened beings help others achieve liberation from suffering.

Cultural References

  • Literature often features savior characters, such as Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings,' who embarks on a quest to save Middle-earth from evil.
  • Movies like 'The Matrix' highlight a savior archetype in Neo, a character destined to save humanity from artificial intelligence domination.
  • In comics, superheroes like Superman and Batman epitomize saviors, using their powers to protect the innocent and fight injustice.

Historical Perspectives

  • Throughout history, figures like Harriet Tubman are celebrated as saviors for their daring actions that led enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
  • During World War II, Oskar Schindler is remembered as a savior for rescuing many Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
  • Civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as saviors, inspiring social change and advocating for equality through nonviolent means.

Psychological Insights

  • The savior complex is a psychological condition where individuals feel they must save others, often leading to burnout and an unhealthy cycle of dependency.
  • Helping others can reinforce feelings of self-worth; many find purpose and fulfillment in the savior role, influencing their mental health positively.
  • Savior dynamics are often explored in therapy, as they can affect personal relationships, revealing underlying power struggles or unresolved issues.

Philosophical Views

  • Philosophers debated the morality of saviors, questioning whether intervening always leads to good outcomes or if it can leave people unprepared for their own struggles.
  • Existentialism suggests that reliance on a savior may detract from individual responsibility and the ability to create one's own meaning in life.
  • Some philosophies advocate for self-salvation, suggesting that personal growth and enlightenment are essential rather than waiting for an external savior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,031 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.