rescue

word

/ˈɹɛskju/
RES-kyoo
/ɹˈɛskjuː/
RES-kyoo

Definition

To save a person, animal, or thing from danger, harm, or a difficult situation. As a noun, it can also mean the act of saving someone or something.

Usage & Nuances

Used as both a verb and a noun: 'rescue a child' and 'a rescue operation'. Common collocations include 'rescue team', 'rescue mission', and 'come to the rescue'. It is stronger and more urgent than 'help' because it suggests real danger or difficulty.

Example Sentences

The dog was rescued by a neighbor.

basic

A local fisherman rescued them when their boat sank.

natural

The firefighters rescued the cat from the tree.

basic

We called a rescue team after the accident.

basic

Thanks for coming to the rescue — I had no idea what to do.

natural

That extra cup of coffee really rescued my morning.

natural