salvage

American  

[sal-vij] / ˈsæl vɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. the act of saving a ship or its cargo from perils of the seas.

   2. the property so saved.

   3. compensation given to those who voluntarily save a ship or its cargo.

2. 1. the act of saving anything from fire, danger, etc.

   2. the property so saved.

3. the value or proceeds upon sale of goods recovered from a shipwreck, fire, etc.

4. the act of saving something of use or value from destruction, damage, ruin, loss, or waste.

   The salvage of carcass parts for pharmaceutical or research use is permitted if it does not interfere with sanitary operations.

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verb (used with object)

salvaged, salvaging

1. to save or rescue (property) from shipwreck, fire, or other peril.

   Synonyms:

   recover, retrieve

2. to save from destruction, damage, ruin, or loss.

   A new achievement was the only way to salvage his reputation.

3. to preserve (a useful or valuable part) from something otherwise wasted, discarded, or deemed a failure: I tried to salvage the unburnt part of the cornbread.

   We purchase end-of-life vehicles and salvage scrap metal.

   I tried to salvage the unburnt part of the cornbread.

   The team has a chance to salvage some degree of glory from a dismal season.

salvage British  

/ ˈsælvɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act, process, or business of rescuing vessels or their cargoes from loss at sea

2. 1. the act of saving any goods or property in danger of damage or destruction

   2. ( as modifier )

      a salvage operation

3. the goods or property so saved

4. compensation paid for the salvage of a vessel or its cargo

5. the proceeds from the sale of salvaged goods or property

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verb

1. to save or rescue (goods or property) from fire, shipwreck, etc

2. to gain (something beneficial) from a failure

   she salvaged little from the broken marriage

Other Word Forms

• salvageable adjective
• salvager noun
• unsalvaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of salvage

First recorded in 1635–45; from Old French; save ¹, -age

Example Sentences

Both vessels were relocated to different ports for salvage operations and damage assessments.

From Barron's

Someone recorded the damage on video, she said, while a couple of people “were at his house packing up all of his valuables that could be salvaged, and they were moved to this new apartment.”

From Los Angeles Times

If it can't be fixed there and then, salvage what you can from your evening and speak to head office or as a final resort leave an online review.

From BBC

For actors struggling to convey their vision behind the camera, stepping back in front is a surefire way to salvage at least some of the film with their own ability.

From Salon

But this time, USC’s defense managed to salvage the mistake, forcing a three-and-out, only to find itself on the field again less than 90 seconds later.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reclaim
• recover
• redeem
• regain
• restore
• retrieve