Airlift - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An airlift is the transportation of people or goods by aircraft, especially in emergencies or when other routes are unavailable. It is often used for rescue missions or military operations.
Definition:
Transport of people or goods by aircraft, especially in emergencies or difficult situations.
Synonyms:
airbridge, evacuation, transport, ferry
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
ground transport, abandon
Common Collocations:
emergency airlift, military airlift, humanitarian airlift
Derivatives:
airlifting, airlifted
Usage Tips:
Use "airlift" for urgent transport by aircraft; often involves rescue or supply missions in crises.
Common Phrases:
mass airlift, Berlin airlift, medical airlift
Etymology:
From "air" + "lift," first used in the 1940s for large-scale aircraft transport operations.
Examples:
- 1. The military organized an airlift to deliver supplies to the disaster zone.
- 2. Doctors were airlifted to the remote village after the earthquake.
- 3. The Berlin airlift saved thousands from starvation during the blockade.
- 4. Helicopters will airlift stranded hikers to safety tomorrow morning.