salvage
SAL-vij
/ˈsælvɪdʒ/
To rescue or save from potential loss, ruin, or destruction; (as a noun) property or materials saved from a shipwreck, fire, or demolition.
Implies saving something that is on the brink of being completely destroyed, lost, or thrown away.
The story behind the word. Originally, 'salvage' was a maritime legal term. It referred to the compensation paid to people who voluntarily saved a ship or its cargo from shipwreck or capture. If you rescued a sinking ship's cargo, you were legally entitled to a share of the 'salvage' value.
Word relationships
- rescue: Rescue is typically used for living beings in danger, whereas salvage is almost exclusively used for property, materials, or abstract concepts like reputations.
- abandon: To abandon is to completely give up control or ownership of something, leaving it to be destroyed or lost.
Commonly confused with
- scavenge: Scavenge means to search through discarded waste for useful items, while salvage specifically means to systematically save property from a disaster or demolition.
Word family
- salvager (noun): A person who salvages property or materials.
- salvageable (adjective): Capable of being saved from ruin or destruction.
Collocations
- salvage yard
- salvage operation
- salvage materials
- attempt to salvage
Example sentences
- "They managed to salvage several family photo albums from the ruins of the burned house." An environmental effort after a fire.
- "The builder used salvage timber from an old barn to construct the beautiful rustic dining table." A creative construction project.
Memory hook
Think of 'salvation' for objects—you are saving them from the absolute end (the landfill). Save from the grave.
When not to use
Do not use for simply tidying up or organizing; salvage requires an element of rescue from destruction.
Fun facts
- Under maritime law, salvage rights are incredibly strict. If a crew abandons a ship in distress, anyone who manages to board and secure the vessel can claim a massive financial reward from the owners.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.