Rescue

Definition

The word "rescue" refers to the act of saving someone or something from a dangerous or distressing situation. It can also mean retrieving or recovering something that is at risk of loss.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛs.kjuː/
• Respelling: RES-kyoo

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈrɛs.kjuː/
• Respelling: RES-kyoo

Etymology

The word "rescue" originates from the Old French "rescourre," which means "to save or free," derived from the Latin "rescutere," meaning "to shake off" (from "re-" (again) and "quater" (to shake)). It entered Middle English in the 13th century.

Derivatives

• Rescuer (noun)
• Rescuable (adjective)
• Rescued (adjective)
• Rescuing (verb)
• Unrescued (adjective)

Synonyms

• Save
• Recover
• Retrieve

Antonyms

• Abandon
• Neglect
• Surrender

Usage

The word "rescue" is commonly used to describe acts of saving people, animals, or things from harm or danger. For example: "The firefighters managed to rescue the trapped family," or "The charity focuses on the rescue of abandoned pets."

Related Terms

• Recovery: The process of regaining or saving something.
• Assistance: The act of helping or supporting.
• Salvage: The act of rescuing property from loss.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To save someone or something from a dangerous or distressing situation: Refers to an act of liberation or protection.
  • Example: "They rescued the hikers stranded in the mountains."
• To recover or retrieve something in danger of being lost: Refers to reclaiming objects, ideas, or positions.
  • Example: "The company was able to rescue its reputation after the crisis."

Noun

• The act of saving or being saved: Refers to the process or event of liberation or recovery.
  • Example: "The rescue operation was a success."
• An instance of saving something or someone: Refers to a single event or effort to save.
  • Example: "The daring rescue of the hostages made headlines."