beacon

A beacon is a light that shines out at sea or in some other difficult place, helping people find their way. It's like a guiding lamp that says "you're almost there!"

Beacons are often used to warn of danger or to signal for help when you're in trouble. For example, on a dark night, a lighthouse might be a beacon to sailors navigating through treacherous waters. But beacons aren't just limited to warning signals – they can also be symbols of hope and guidance. If someone says "she's a beacon of inspiration", it means she's a person who shines brightly and helps others find their way.

Note: As a verb, "to beacon" means to guide or direct people towards something. For example: "The teacher beacons the students towards the new classroom."