life preserver

noun

1. a buoyant jacket, belt, or other like device for keeping a person afloat.

2. British Slang.,  a weapon, especially a short stick with a weighted head; blackjack.

life preserver

noun

1. a club or bludgeon, esp one kept for self-defence

2. a life belt or life jacket

Word History and Origins

Origin of life preserver¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

As in Brazil, it’s a nakedly political effort to fling a life preserver to an endangered right-wing ally.

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I let myself play the victim twice — first of the debt itself, then of the life preserver tossed to bring me back onboard.

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In a tempest of tragedy, basketball was his life preserver.

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Landon Knack has been a human life preserver for the Dodgers, an unsung rookie right-hander who has helped keep the rotation afloat when seas get a little rough.

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In his life preserver he looked like a beached walrus.

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Related Words

• life jacket 
• life vest