ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hotline

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈhɑtˌɫaɪn// UK //hˈɒtlaɪn// hot·line

n. a direct phone line that people can call to get help or information quickly. You usually call a hotline during an emergency or when you need expert advice.

n. a direct telecommunications link established for a specific purpose, often for emergency assistance or crisis intervention. Frequently used to provide immediate public access to government or medical services.


SIMPLE

The city set up a hotline for reporting power outages.

CONTEXTUAL

The government launched a 24-hour hotline to provide citizens with immediate updates during the national health crisis.

COMPLEX

Establishing a dedicated crisis hotline proved essential for the non-profit, as it allowed trained counselors to intervene immediately when callers were in acute psychological distress.

Origin

From hot + line.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'call', 'set up', or 'operate'.

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