lifesaver
UK[ˈlaɪfˌseɪ.vər]US[ˈlaɪfˌseɪ.vɚ]
n
a person or thing that saves someone's life, especially in an emergency.
n
a ring-shaped buoy used to rescue people who have fallen into water.
n
informal: something that provides help in a difficult situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
life
sav
er
life
living being
sav
to rescue
er
agent suffix
Etymology
the word 'lifesaver' is a transparent compound formed within english from the native germanic noun 'life' and the verb 'save', which entered english via old french from latin 'salvus' (safe, healthy). the agent suffix '-er' denotes a person or thing that performs the action. the literal construction 'one who saves lives' directly reflects its core meaning. its specific application to a flotation device emerged in the early 20th century, extending the concept from a person to a life-preserving object, while its informal figurative use for any helpful solution followed naturally.
Analysis
Structure: life (living being) + sav (to rescue) + er (agent suffix)
life (old english 'līf', meaning 'existence, living being'); sav (from old french 'sauver', from late latin 'salvāre', meaning 'to save, make safe'); er (old english '-ere', agent noun suffix, meaning 'one who does').
Examples
the quick-thinking lifeguard was a true lifesaver.
always ensure there is a lifesaver readily available near the pool.
that loan was an absolute lifesaver when my car broke down.