French word

secourir

Pronunciation

IPA/səkuʁiʁ/

Meaning

  • verbrescue

Example

Les pompiers ont secouru les victimes.

The firefighters rescued the victims.

Illustration for secourir (rescue)

More examples

Des passants ont tenté de secourir la vieille dame.

Passersby tried to rescue the old lady.

Core concept

An endangered person receives swift help that brings safety or relief in a difficult situation.

Common phrases

  • secourir quelqu'un

    rescue someone

  • secourir une victime

    rescue a victim

Similar words

aider: Give practical help to someone in need.
sauver: Save someone's life from serious danger.
assister: Provide support so a task or activity goes smoothly.
dépanner: Temporarily fix a breakdown or problem on the spot.

Definition in French

Porter secours à une personne en danger ou en difficulté par une intervention rapide ou un appui matériel.

Word origin

The Latin verb succurrere developed through Old French forms such as secorre before becoming modern French secourir.

Usage tips

  • Secourir is more specific and formal than aider, especially for accidents, disasters, and official rescue contexts.

Other meanings

  • helpverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word