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Synonyms

kiss of life

British  

noun

  1. mouth-to mouth or mouth-to-nose resuscitation in which a person blows gently into the mouth or nose of an unconscious person, allowing the lungs to deflate after each blow

  2. something that revitalizes or reinvigorates

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With prayers, songs and devotion, they’ll give the cathedral the kiss of life and celebration to nudge aside the pain the April 15, 2019, blaze inflicted on French hearts and Catholic faithful around the world.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

She gave him the kiss of life and heart massage, with the help of a doctor.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2012

After escaping his tormentors in North Korea, 007 Pierce Brosnan gets the "kiss of life" in Hong Kong, before jumping into the waters of Victoria Harbour.

From The Guardian • Jul. 4, 2012

Police tried to resuscitate people with CPR and the kiss of life inside the tunnel.

From New York Times • Jul. 24, 2010

The passing wind no longer gives you the kiss of life, the benediction on all that lives and breathes; it buffets you and makes you stagger.

From The Confession of a Child of the Century by Warren, Kendall