VocabDictionary

rescue

/ˈrɛskjuː/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To save someone or something from a dangerous, harmful, or difficult situation.

Example Sentences:
  • The brave firefighters managed to rescue three people from the burning building.
  • Coast guard helicopters were deployed to rescue the stranded sailors.
2.noun

An act of saving someone or something from danger or distress.

Example Sentences:
  • The mountaineers owe their lives to a daring rescue by the local team.
  • Police launched a desperate search and rescue operation in the wilderness.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “rescue”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'rescouen', from Old French 'rescorre', composed of 're-' (denoting intensive force or backward movement) + 'escourre' (from Late Latin 'excutere', meaning 'to shake off' or 'drive away'). Ultimately rooted in Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'quatere' (to shake).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'Q' (cue) that tells the hero it's time to run and RESCUE someone.

Frequently Asked Questions About “rescue

1. What is the meaning of “rescue” in English?

In English, rescue (verb) is defined as: “To save someone or something from a dangerous, harmful, or difficult situation.”.

2. How do you use “rescue” in a sentence?

The brave firefighters managed to rescue three people from the burning building.

3. What are English synonyms of “rescue”?

Common synonyms include:save,deliver,liberate,retrieve

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “rescue”?

Derived from the Middle English 'rescouen', from Old French 'rescorre', composed of 're-' (denoting intensive force or backward movement) + 'escourre' (from Late Latin 'excutere', meaning 'to shake off' or 'drive away'). Ultimately rooted in Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'quatere' (to shake).