lifeline

American  

[lahyf-lahyn] / ˈlaɪfˌlaɪn /

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.

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lifeline British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of lifeline

First recorded in 1690–1700; life + line ¹

Example Sentences

The Capital Economics forecasting firm noted Wednesday that lower oil shipments "would cut off a key lifeline for Venezuela's economy" in the near future.

From Barron's

It has been the singular lifeline for a battered Iran and its entire proxy network.

From The Wall Street Journal

Capital Economics analysts predicted that the blockade "would cut off a key lifeline for Venezuela's economy" in the short term.

From Barron's

A financial lifeline from Washington would be “a turning point,” said von Vacano, helping reassure investors that Bolivia is ready to partner with the U.S. on lithium and the country’s other valuable minerals.

From The Wall Street Journal

But there is also no shortage of workers, keen for the economic lifeline recycling provides.

From Barron's