挽救 (wǎnjiù) is a transitive verb meaning 'to salvage' or 'to rescue from ruin or loss.' It combines 挽 (wǎn), which originally means 'to pull back' or 'to retrieve,' and 救 (jiù), meaning 'to save' or 'to rescue.' Together, they emphasize actively reversing a deteriorating situation—often one that is already serious or nearly beyond repair. The word carries a sense of urgency and moral or practical necessity.

It’s commonly used in formal, written, or serious spoken contexts: saving lives in medical emergencies, rescuing failing businesses, preserving endangered species or cultural heritage, or redeeming someone’s reputation after scandal. Unlike simpler words like 救 (jiù), 挽救 implies the situation was dire and required determined effort to reverse. It’s rarely used for minor or everyday problems—it suggests stakes are high and time may be short.