rescue
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈrɛskjuː/
KK: /ˈrɛsˌkyu/
noun
Definition
A situation where someone is saved from danger or harm.
Example
The firefighters performed a daring rescue to save the trapped hikers.
Conversation
Did you hear about the amazing rescue operation last weekend?
Yeah, I saw it on the news; it was really heroic!
I can’t believe how brave those people were during the rescue.
Absolutely, they saved so many lives, it was incredible.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
salvation
deliverance
retrieval
Antonyms
abandonment
neglect
surrender
transitive verb
Definition
To save someone or something from a dangerous or harmful situation.
Example
The firefighters worked hard to rescue the cat stuck in the tree.
Tense Forms
Past: rescued
Past Participle: rescued
Conversation
Did you hear about the firefighters who had to rescue that cat from the tree?
Yeah, I saw the video online! It was so cute when they brought it down.
I can't believe how brave they are to rescue animals like that.
Root Explanation
Rescue is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "secare" (meaning to cut). The word describes the act of cutting someone free again, typically from danger or distress.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cutting' someone free 'again' — that's why rescue means to save someone from danger.
Visually Confused Words
resue
resume
respue
recuse
recure
fescue
unrescued
reobscure