51Թ

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View synonyms for

SOS

1
  1. the letters represented by the radio telegraphic signal (· · · – – – · · ·) used, especially by ships in distress, as an internationally recognized call for help.


noun

  1. any call for help:

    We sent out an SOS for more typists.

verb (used without object)

  1. to send an SOS.

SOS

2

abbreviation for

Slang.
  1. shit on a shingle (a euphemistic initialism used to avoid explicit vulgarity).

s.o.s.

3

abbreviation for

  1. (in prescriptions) if necessary.

SOS

noun

  1. an internationally recognized distress signal in which the letters SOS are repeatedly spelt out, as by radio-telegraphy: used esp by ships and aircraft
  2. a message broadcast in an emergency for people otherwise unobtainable
  3. informal.
    a call for help
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of SOS1

First recorded in 1905–10; from the Morse code alphabet, in which three dots (or short clicks) represents the letter S and three dashes (or long clicks) represents the letter O

Origin of SOS2

From Latin sī opus sit
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of SOS1

C20: letters chosen as the simplest to transmit and receive in Morse code; by folk etymology taken to be an abbreviation for save our souls
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Cyprus responded to the SOS signal by dispatching a vessel, the charity said, but that it was not "providing the critical electrical support needed".

From

It was her who sent out the SOS for the Newquay lynx.

From

"I have cleared my chats across messaging apps, and I have learned how to quickly lock my phone in SOS mode," he said.

From

We scrambled for help, making calls, sending SOS messages, hoping someone might have a lead.

From

They said Zaman went into "about three" schools, sometimes alone, as part of the charity's SOS project in Yorkshire.

From

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