The word ‘Rescue’ (Verb) refers to the act of saving someone or something from a dangerous, harmful, or undesirable situation. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, etymology, examples, synonyms, and antonyms of the word ‘Rescue,’ and how to use it effectively in real-life situations.
Rescue Explained in Depth
A complete and detailed guide to the words Rescue including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.
Meanings of Rescue
Rescue means to save a person, animal, or even an object from harm, danger, or distress. This could involve pulling someone out of a burning building, helping an animal in a storm, or even saving a failing project or business from collapse. The term is often associated with bravery, quick thinking, and decisive action. It’s not just about physical situations “rescue” can also apply emotionally or metaphorically, such as rescuing someone from despair or rescuing a conversation from going off track.
Definition
The word is versatile and can be used both as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it refers to the act itself “The lifeguard rescued the swimmer.” As a noun, it refers to the act or the person involved “The rescue was a success” or “He joined the mountain rescue team.” It’s a term often used in emergency services, animal welfare, and even in literature and movies to depict heroism or intervention.
Whether it’s a firefighter saving lives, a friend pulling someone out of emotional trouble, or a plan that prevents failure—rescue conveys a sense of hope, protection, and recovery from a negative situation.
Etymology
The word “rescue” comes from the Old French word rescourre (modern French: rescous), which means “to save, deliver, or liberate.” This term is based on the Latin re- meaning “back” or “again” and excutere, which means “to shake off” or “to drive away.” So, the core idea of the word is to “shake off danger” or “deliver someone back to safety.”
The etymological journey of “rescue” reflects its powerful role in both literal and figurative language: to pull someone away from harm and bring them into safety.
Example Sentences
- The firefighter bravely rescued the child from the burning house.
- The rescue operation took several hours due to harsh weather conditions.
- She rescued the kitten from the middle of the road.
- The financial advisor helped rescue the company from bankruptcy.
- His kind words rescued me from a very dark place emotionally.
Rescue Synonyms
- Save
- Recover
- Deliver
- Liberate
- Free
- Retrieve
- Redeem
- Protect
- Assist
- Extricate
Rescue Antonyms
- Abandon
- Neglect
- Endanger
- Trap
- Desert
- Ignore
- Capture
- Oppress
- Condemn
- Leave
FAQs about Rescue
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the word “Rescue”
1. What does “rescue” actually mean?
It means to save someone or something from harm, danger, or an undesirable situation. It can be physical, emotional, financial, or metaphorical.
2. Is “rescue” always physical?
No, it can also refer to emotional or symbolic situations—like rescuing someone from sadness or helping a struggling team succeed.
3. What’s the difference between “rescue” and “save”?
“Rescue” often implies urgency or danger, while “save” can be more general. For instance, “rescue from a fire” versus “save money” or “save a seat.”