lifesaver

[ lahyf-sey-ver ]

noun

1. a person who rescues another from danger of death, especially from drowning.
2. a person or thing that saves a person, as from a difficult situation or critical moment:

   That money was a lifesaver.

3. Chiefly British. a lifeguard.

Other Words From

• lifesaving adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifesaver¹

First recorded in 1880–85; life + saver ( def )

Example Sentences

Ahead of nature becoming a lifesaver back home on the Scottish island, florals hold significance in the city.

From Los Angeles Times

The reality is that many people don’t get enough sleep, so if you need to be alert first thing in the morning, caffeine can be a lifesaver, Brager said.

From Seattle Times

While the free cafes providing food to miners and their families became well known, the support groups were, Heather says, quite literally a lifesaver.

From BBC

That positive portrayal could be a call to arms to many politicians stoking the flames of anti-immigrant policies, but Garrone was gifted a distinctly Italian lifesaver when the movie arrived in local theaters.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a modest start but, literally, a lifesaver for some of the country's poorest people.

From BBC

Related Words

• benevolence
• blessing
• charity
• clemency
• forgiveness
• generosity
• goodwill
• grace
• leniency
• pity
• sympathy
• tolerance