lifeblood
pronunciation
How to pronounce lifeblood in British English:
UK [ˈlaɪfblʌd]
How to pronounce lifeblood in American English:
US [ˈlaɪfˌblʌd]
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- Noun:
- the blood considered as the seat of vitality
- an essential or life-giving force
Word Origin
- lifeblood (n.)
- also life-blood, 1580s, "blood necessary for life," from life (n.) + blood (n.). Figurative and transferred use is from 1590s.
Example
- 1. It has devastated the venture-capital market , the lifeblood of many young firms .
- 2. Advertising , the lifeblood of many broadcasters , is difficult to do globally .
- 3. A legally empowered citizenry is both the guarantor and lifeblood of democracy .
- 4. But credit is the lifeblood of the car business .
- 5. Intelligence , rumour , gossip and tittle-tattle is the lifeblood of many groups .