lifeline

[ lahyf-lahyn ]

noun

1. a line, fired across a ship or boat, by means of which a hawser for a breeches buoy may be hauled aboard.
2. a line or rope for saving life, as one attached to a lifeboat.
3. any of various lines line running above the decks, spars, etc., of a ship or boat to give sailors something to grasp when there is danger of falling or being washed away.
4. a wire safety rope supported by stanchions along the edge of the deck of a yacht.
5. the line by which a diver is lowered and raised.
6. any of several anchored lines line used by swimmers for support.
7. a route or means of transportation or communication for receiving or delivering food, medicine, or assistance:

   This road is the town's lifeline and must be kept open despite the snow.

8. assistance at a critical time.

lifeline

/ ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a line thrown or fired aboard a vessel for hauling in a hawser for a breeches buoy
2. any rope or line attached to a vessel or trailed from it for the safety of passengers, crew, swimmers, etc
3. a line by which a deep-sea diver is raised or lowered
4. a vital line of access or communication

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifeline¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; life + line ¹

Example Sentences

“My wife and I depend on Social Security — it is our lifeline to the future,” Barnett said.

From Salon

One of Scotland's oldest lifeline ferries has been retired after nearly 40 years of service.

From BBC

The Ask for Angela initiative, a project in place at thousands of venues nationwide, aims to provide a discreet lifeline for people who believe they are in danger.

From BBC

But despite the tough talk, the broken border has been a lifeline for America’s on-demand economy under both Democratic and Republican administrations, including Mr. Trump’s first term, an investigation by The New York Times found.

From New York Times

Seven years later the first ferry - a lifeline form of transport in the Western Isles - sailed from Stornoway to mainland Scotland on a Sunday.

From BBC