bailout

UK: ˈbeɪlaʊt | US: ˈbeɪlˌaʊt

Definition
  1. n. financial rescue, especially by a government to save a failing company or economy

  2. n. an emergency escape or exit (e.g., from an aircraft)

Structure
bail <to rescue>out <exit>
Etymology

bailout = bail<to rescue> + out<exit>

  • bail: From Old French baillier ("to deliver, control"), originally meaning "to hand over" or "to release." In finance, it evolved to mean "to rescue from financial distress."
  • out: From Old English ūt ("outside, away"), used here to emphasize the act of exiting or escaping a crisis.

Etymology Origin:
The term bailout emerged in the mid-20th century, combining "bail" (financial rescue) with "out" (exit). It vividly captures the idea of pulling someone or something out of trouble, akin to bailing water from a sinking boat. The word gained prominence during economic crises, reflecting its dual logic: financial intervention (bail) and crisis avoidance (out).

Examples
  1. The government approved a $50 billion bailout for the struggling bank.

  2. Critics argue that corporate bailouts reward poor management.

  3. The pilot activated the bailout procedure when the engine failed.

  4. Without a bailout, the company would have gone bankrupt.

  5. The airline's bailout plan included layoffs and asset sales.