rescues; rescued; rescuing
: to save (someone or something) from danger or harm
The survivors were rescued by the Coast Guard.
—often + fromA fireman rescued three children from the burning building.
—sometimes used figurativelyShe rescued an old chair from the trash.
plural rescues
: an act of saving someone or something from danger, harm, or trouble
The lifeguard performed a heroic rescue.
The policeman came/went to the rescue of the lost boy. [=the policeman rescued the lost boy]
When her brother lost his job, she came to his rescue by paying his rent.
—often used before another nouna rescue team/squad
a rescue operation/mission
Cite this Entry
“Rescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rescue. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
