lifebuoy

A sailor throws a lifebuoy to a person in the water.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A buoyant device designed to keep a person afloat in water: "lifebuoy" refers to a ring-shaped or horseshoe-shaped flotation device, typically made of cork, foam, or inflatable plastic, used to rescue someone who is drowning or to provide buoyancy in water.
   • Safety equipment: In maritime contexts, a "lifebuoy" is a standard safety item on ships, boats, or near swimming areas, often attached to a line for retrieval.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sailor threw a lifebuoy to the passenger who had fallen overboard. (A flotation device used for rescue.)
  • Every boat must carry at least one lifebuoy for emergency situations. (A required safety item on vessels.)
  • The child grabbed the lifebuoy and stayed afloat until help arrived. (The device kept the child above water.)

Advanced Usage

• "lifebuoy ring": an alternative term for the device, emphasizing its circular shape.

  • The lifebuoy ring was brightly coloured for visibility in the water. (The flotation ring was easy to see.)

• "lifebuoy station": a designated location where lifebuoys are stored for quick access.

  • The lifebuoy station near the pool was fully stocked. (The storage area for flotation devices.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lifebuoy (noun): the exact target word, used as a compound noun.
• Lifebuoyant (adj): not a standard term; instead, use "buoyant" to describe something that floats.
  • The lifebuoy is highly buoyant due to its foam core. (It floats easily.)

Synonyms

• Life preserver: a general term for any flotation device used to save lives.
• Ring buoy: a specific synonym for a circular lifebuoy.
• Floatation device: a broader category that includes lifebuoys.

Related Idioms

• Throw someone a lifebuoy: to provide help or support in a difficult situation.

  • When he was drowning in debt, his friend threw him a lifebuoy by lending him money. (Provided crucial assistance.)

• Cling to a lifebuoy: to rely on something for survival or safety.

  • In the crisis, the company clung to the government loan like a lifebuoy. (Depended on it for survival.)