lifeline
UK: ˈlaɪflaɪn | US: ˈlaɪflaɪn
n. a rope or line used for saving lives, especially in emergencies (e.g., on a ship).
n. something that provides essential support or a means of survival.
n. (figurative) a crucial connection or resource in difficult circumstances.
The word "lifeline" combines "life" (from Old English līf, meaning "existence") and "line" (from Old English līne, derived from Latin linea, meaning "rope" or "cord"). Originally nautical, it referred to a rope thrown to rescue someone from drowning. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to denote any vital support system or connection. The logic is straightforward: a "line" that preserves or sustains "life."
The sailor clung to the lifeline as waves crashed over the deck.
For many families, social welfare acts as a financial lifeline.
The emergency hotline serves as a lifeline for people in crisis.
During the pandemic, remote work became a lifeline for businesses.
She considered her best friend her emotional lifeline during tough times.