signal for help
- noun
:
señal de ayuda
- The hikers created a large X with rocks as a signal for help to passing aircraft.
Examples
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She raised her hand as a signal for help.
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The child gave a signal for help when he got lost.
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He fired a flare as a signal for help when his boat began to sink.
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In an emergency, waving both arms overhead is often used as a signal for help.
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When he was lost at sea, he waved his arms as a signal for help.
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She used a whistle as a signal for help when she saw the hikers in distress.
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The child raised a bright red flag as a signal for help while stuck on the playground.
Synonyms
42
3.9
A signal sent by a ship, plane, or person to ask for urgent help
37
3.1
A signal sent by a ship, plane, or person asking for emergency help
12
2.8
A button you press to call for help in an emergency
How Urgent
15
3.7
- Specialized
37
3.1
- Specialized
1
4.1
59
1.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase 'signal for help' is directly and transparently built from 'signal' (a cue) + 'for' (indicating purpose/recipient) + 'help' (assistance); its meaning 'a sign indicating a need for assistance' follows immediately from combining the parts. This compositional pattern (noun + for + purpose) is common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Signal for help comes from the simple image of someone making a clear signal for help, for example firing a flare, waving both arms, or making a big X on the ground so passing people can see them. That's why it means 'a sign that someone needs help'.