life-support

American  

[lahyf-suh-pawrt, -pohrt] / ˈlaɪf səˌpɔrt, -ˌpoʊrt /

adjective

1. of or relating to equipment or measures that sustain or artificially substitute for essential body functions, as breathing or disposal of body wastes.

   Without life-support equipment, the patient might die.

2. of or relating to equipment or measures that provide, within a surrounding hostile environment, as outer space or ocean depths, a life-sustaining environment similar to that found on the earth's surface.

   the life-support system of a spacecraft or submarine.

3. of or relating to anything that fosters or sustains life, success, or continued existence, as of a person, thing, or nation.

   the life-support system of the economy.

---

life-support British  

adjective

1. of or providing the equipment required to sustain human life in an unnatural environment, such as in space, or in severe illness or disability

---

Etymology

Origin of life-support

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

"We hope this will be the last war, because our villages in the south... are currently on life support," she said.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

After he was connected to a life support machine, he was diagnosed with hantavirus, and spent around three weeks in hospital.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

The prosecutor said: "John McNab went into cardiac arrest. Advanced life support measures were carried out, with efforts continuing for some 40 minutes, unfortunately without success."

From BBC • May 6, 2026

After spending recent weeks on life support, LIV Golf has lost the funding of its Saudi backers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Once it lands here, they'll ditch the heat shield, all the life support stuff, and a bunch of empty fuel tanks.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir