salvation

noun

sal·​va·​tion sal-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce salvation (audio)
1
a
: deliverance from the power and effects of sin
b
: the agent or means that effects salvation
c
Christian Science : the realization of the supremacy of infinite Mind over all bringing with it the destruction of the illusion of sin, sickness, and death
2
: liberation from ignorance or illusion
3
a
: preservation from destruction or failure
b
: deliverance from danger or difficulty
salvational
sal-ˈvā-shnəl How to pronounce salvation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of salvation in a Sentence

Tourism has been the salvation of the island. we spent the night in the cellar praying for salvation from the tornadoes
Recent Examples on the Web Our unpopular presidential candidates have policy agendas and a matching rhetoric that describe Americans as helpless victims in need of government salvation, whether through costly programs or a strong federal executive. Ryan Streeter, National Review, 8 Apr. 2024 When his first movie The Jerk becomes a hit, Martin sees salvation and an exit strategy. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2024 Those searching for salvation could point to the parallels between these Bruins and Cronin’s first UCLA team. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2024 The Jews were just a pawn in God’s plan of salvation. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024 In Bourne’s production, love is both salvation and destruction. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 Feb. 2024 Mostly, Invincible Shield is the sound of metal’s true believers spreading their message of salvation through headbanging. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 What parent doesn't want salvation from the threat of failing their kids? Alison Escalante, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Fortunately, Blackthorne finds salvation in one particular lord before losing his head. Nick Romano, EW.com, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'salvation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English salvacion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin salvation-, salvatio, from salvare to save — more at save

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of salvation was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near salvation

Cite this Entry

“Salvation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salvation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

salvation

noun
sal·​va·​tion sal-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce salvation (audio)
1
: the saving of a person from sin
2
: something that saves
3
: the saving from danger or evil

More from Merriam-Webster on salvation

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