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 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 Rodriguez was desperate to restore his reputation and viewed the Wildcats as his pathway to salvation. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2024 These people – my people – are relying on your outrage for their chance of salvation. Journal Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024 Passages from the Haggadah, a formal Hebrew text, is also read during Seder, which retells the salvation and redemption of the ancient Israelites. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024 After the Lampoon began publishing in 1970, Mr. McConnachie looked to it as his career salvation. Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024 Following the death of her estranged addict mother and her partner’s relapse and incarceration, Selby embarks on an extremely raw pilgrimage of self-discovery and salvation. Alex Ritman, Variety, 6 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 28 Mar. 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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