Lifesaver
/ˈlaɪfˌseɪvər/noun
A person or thing that saves someone from danger or difficulty.
Did you know?Unlike words with ancient occult roots, lifesaver is a straightforward modern compound, but it became powerful because English loves turning ordinary actions into names for agents who can literally alter fate.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
libban
“to live”
Old English
OE
sēcan
“to seek; later related to the idea of saving through protection in English development”
Middle English
ME
lif
“life”
Late Middle English
ME
saven
“to save, keep safe”
19th Century
English
lifesaver
“a person or thing that saves a life; later also a ring-shaped candy”