What does lifeline mean?
A lifeline is a line, rope, or chain used to rescue or support someone in danger, especially in an emergency at sea. The word has also developed a broad figurative meaning: a lifeline is any person, resource, opportunity, or form of support that prevents failure, abandonment, or hopelessness. For example, a charity may describe emergency assistance as a lifeline for families facing eviction, while a medical treatment can be a lifeline for a seriously ill patient. In remote workplaces, the term may also refer to a communication system that maintains a final connection with the outside world. The expression “throw someone a lifeline” is especially common and suggests providing timely help in a crisis. Because a lifeline is often imagined as the last means of rescue, the word conveys both practical importance and a sense of desperation, hope, and dependence.
nounA rope, chain, or other line used to save or support a person in danger, especially at sea. By extension, it means something that provides essential help, support, or hope during a difficult situation.
- A rope, cord, or chain used to rescue or support someone in danger, especially at sea or during an emergency.
- A crucial source of help, support, income, or encouragement that enables someone or something to continue.
- A final means of communication or assistance in a remote or hazardous location.
- A person or thing regarded as indispensable to the survival or continued operation of another.
"The emergency team threw a lifeline to the stranded hikers."
"The charity provides a lifeline to families facing eviction."
"Divers carry a lifeline when exploring underwater caves."
The regular plural is used for individual lines or cords, and figuratively for multiple sources of essential support.
"The small business depends on several lifelines during periods of low revenue."
A lifeline began as a physical rope used for rescue, but the phrase “a lifeline” now describes anything that can keep a person, organization, or hope from collapse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lifeline come from?
The compound lifeline was formed in the early 19th century from life and line, initially referring to a rope or line used to assist a person in danger. Its figurative use for essential financial, emotional, or practical support developed in the 20th century. The element life comes through Old English lif, while line comes through Old English line, ultimately from Latin linea, meaning “linen thread” or “line.” Related forms such as lifetime, lively, and lifelong share the same broad Germanic and Latin roots.
How lifeline is actually used
The word is often figurative and carries a sense of urgent, indispensable support. In “a lifeline for,” it commonly means a solution or source of assistance that enables survival or continued operation.