life preserver
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A device designed to save a person from drowning: A life preserver is a piece of rescue equipment, typically a buoyant belt, jacket, ring, or cushion, that is worn or held to keep a person afloat in water.
Usage
- The primary function of a life preserver is to provide emergency buoyancy. It is a critical safety device used on boats, ships, and near bodies of water.
- It is often used synonymously with "personal flotation device (PFD)" in modern safety terminology, though "life preserver" is a more traditional term.
Examples
- "The captain instructed all passengers to locate their life preserver under their seat."
- "He grabbed the life preserver and threw it to the struggling swimmer."
- "Coast Guard regulations require a wearable life preserver for each person on board."
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides crucial support or rescue from a difficult situation.
- Example: "The unexpected grant money was a life preserver for the struggling community theater."
Variants and Related Words
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD): The modern, more technical term encompassing all types of buoyancy aids, including life preservers, life jackets, and buoyancy aids.
- Life Jacket: A specific type of life preserver that is worn like a jacket.
- Life Buoy / Life Ring: A ring-shaped life preserver designed to be thrown to a person in the water.
Synonyms
- Buoyancy aid
- Flotation device
- Life belt (less common)
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To throw someone a life preserver: To provide someone with help to rescue them from a difficult situation (both literal and figurative).
- Example: "Her mentor threw her a life preserver by offering advice during the crisis."
Noun
- rescue equipment consisting of a buoyant belt or jacket to keep a person from drowning