lifeline
UK[ˈlaɪflaɪn]US[ˈlaɪflaɪn]
n
a rope or line used for saving life, especially one thrown to rescue someone from water or used for safety in dangerous activities.
n
something which is essential for maintaining life, health, or stability.
Morpheme Breakdown
life
line
life
the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter
line
a long, narrow mark or cord
Etymology
the compound word 'lifeline' is a transparent combination of two old english and germanic/latin-derived elements. the first element, 'life', originates from the old english 'līf', carrying its core meaning of animate existence. the second element, 'line', descends from old english 'līne', which was borrowed from latin 'līnea', referring to a thread, string, or cord. the literal combination, 'a line for life', perfectly captures its original nautical sense of a rope thrown to save someone from drowning. this concrete meaning logically extended metaphorically to denote any crucial means of support or connection vital for survival or success, such as an essential supply route or a source of emotional sustenance.
Analysis
Structure: life + line
life: from old english 'līf', of germanic origin; related to dutch 'lijf' and german 'leib', meaning 'the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter'.
line: from old english 'līne', from latin 'līnea' (linen thread, string, plumb-line), from 'linum' (flax); meaning 'a long, narrow mark or cord'.
Examples
the coastguard threw a lifeline to the struggling swimmer.
for many remote villages, the single road is their economic lifeline.
during the crisis, her weekly calls from her friend were a real emotional lifeline.