/ ˈreskjuː; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
rescue sb/sth (from sth/sb) to save sb/sth from a dangerous or harmful situation :
[ vn ]
He rescued a child from drowning.
They were eventually rescued by helicopter.
The house was rescued from demolition.
You rescued me from an embarrassing situation.
[ vn - adj ]
She had despaired of ever being rescued alive.
➡ note at save
► res·cuer noun
■ noun
1.
[ U ] the act of saving sb/sth from a dangerous or difficult situation; the fact of being saved :
We had given up hope of rescue.
A wealthy benefactor came to their rescue with a generous donation.
a rescue attempt / operation
a mountain rescue team
rescue workers / boats / helicopters
2.
[ C ] an occasion when sb/sth is saved from a dangerous or difficult situation :
Ten fishermen were saved in a daring sea rescue.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French rescoure from Latin re- (expressing intensive force) + excutere shake out, discard.