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 Word Forms

• lifesaving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lifesaver¹

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

Example Sentences

But it didn’t yield era-defining singles like the pandemic lifesaver “Future Nostalgia” did.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Clients have said to us that we're lifesavers and without us people have admitted they would be forced to shoplift just to survive," Mr Lucas said.

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Parents say a school uniform recycling programme is a "lifesaver" as they face paying hundreds to kit out their children for the start of term.

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"It's been a lifesaver. I don't have to check on her constantly through the night. I know her oxygen tank has power no matter what," he says, voice trembling.

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If you’re feeding a crowd at a summer cookout, it can be a lifesaver.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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