A shelter or station equipped for rescue operations, especially for saving lives at sea. It can also refer to a place that provides refuge or safety.
From Middle English 'life' (living existence) + 'house' (dwelling). Originally used in maritime contexts for coastal rescue stations, later extended metaphorically to any place of refuge or safety.
The term gained modern cultural significance through the rock band Lifehouse, but its original meaning reflects humanity's age-old need to establish safe havens against natural dangers. Maritime lifehouse stations were often the difference between life and death for shipwrecked sailors.
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