This is the 2331st most frequent Japanese word.
つなぐ
"To connect" or "to link."
In this sentence, 'つなぐ' implies maintaining or sustaining something, specifically life.
彼は命をつなぐために必死に食べ物を探した。
He desperately searched for food to sustain his life.
Here, 'つなぐ' refers to physically linking or connecting two locations.
この橋は二つの町をつなぐ。
This bridge connects the two towns.
'つなぐ' is used figuratively here to denote emotional or interpersonal connection.