lifeblood

[ lahyf-bluhd ]

noun

1. the blood, considered as essential to maintain life:

   to spill one's lifeblood in war.

2. a life-giving, vital, or animating element:

   Agriculture is the lifeblood of the country.

lifeblood

/ ˈlaɪfˌblʌd /

noun

1. the blood, considered as vital to sustain life
2. the essential or animating force

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifeblood¹

First recorded in 1580–90; life + blood

Example Sentences

"Fabric is the seed of designing a garment, it is the lifeblood of fashion," he told me.

From BBC

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the NHS was "the lifeblood of Britain" and that is why she is "putting an end to the neglect and underinvestment it has seen for over a decade".

From BBC

"Giulia was the lifeblood of this company and her infectious enthusiasm for surf, snow and life will be remembered by all that came in contact with her," he said.

From BBC

“California’s waterways and ecosystems are the lifeblood of our state’s rich and diverse wildlife and natural habitats,” Bonta said.

From Los Angeles Times

Except that each play is urgently concerned with the lifeblood of community.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aspect
• basis
• bottom line
• character
• core
• crux
• element
• meaning
• nature
• principle
• quality
• reality
• root
• soul
• spirit
• structure
• substance