lifebelt
Definition
- Noun: A lifebelt is a buoyant device, typically made of cork or plastic, designed to be worn around the waist or thrown to a person in water to keep them afloat and prevent drowning.
Usage Examples
- (A flotation device used for rescue in water.)
- (A safety device required by maritime regulations.)
Advanced Usage
- "to throw someone a lifebelt": to provide help or support in a difficult situation, often used metaphorically.
- When the company was failing, the government threw them a lifebelt in the form of a loan. (Provided crucial assistance to prevent collapse.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lifebelt (n): the primary term; sometimes called a life preserver or life jacket.
- Lifebuoy (n): a similar ring-shaped flotation device, often thrown to a person in water.
- The lifeguard threw a lifebuoy to the struggling swimmer. (A ring-shaped flotation aid.)
Synonyms
- Life jacket: a wearable flotation device.
- Float: a general term for any object that keeps a person afloat.
- Buoy: a floating device used as a marker or for support.
Related Idioms
- "lifebelt of hope": a metaphorical expression meaning a last resort or final source of support.
- The scholarship was a lifebelt of hope for the underprivileged student. (A crucial opportunity that saved the student's future.)
Notes on Usage
- A lifebelt is distinct from a life jacket in that a lifebelt is often a belt-like or ring-shaped device, while a life jacket is a vest worn on the torso. However, in informal speech, the terms may be used interchangeably.