Dictionary
emergency
noun, emer·gen·cy often attributive \i-ˈmər-jənt-sē\
: an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action
plural emer·gen·cies
Full Definition of EMERGENCY
1
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for assistance or relief <the mayor declared a state of emergency after the flood>
See emergency defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of EMERGENCY
circa 1631
Related to EMERGENCY
- Synonyms
- boiling point, breaking point, clutch, conjuncture, crisis, crossroad(s), crunch, crunch time, Dunkirk, exigency, extremity, flash point, head, juncture, tinderbox, zero hour, moment of truth, point of no return
Synonym Discussion of EMERGENCY
juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, straits, crisis mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs. juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events <an important juncture in our country's history>. exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation <provide for exigencies>. emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster <the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies>. contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence <contingency plans>. pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency <come through in a pinch>. straits applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult <in dire straits>. crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference <a crisis of confidence>.
EMERGENCY Defined for Kids
emergency
noun emer·gen·cy \i-ˈmər-jən-sē\
plural emer·gen·cies
Definition of EMERGENCY for Kids
: an unexpected situation that requires immediate action <a medical emergency>
Medical Dictionary
emergency
noun emer·gen·cy \i-ˈmər-jən-sē\
plural emer·gen·cies
Medical Definition of EMERGENCY
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action: as a : a sudden bodily alteration (as a ruptured appendix or surgical shock) such as is likely to require immediate medical attention b : a usually distressing event or condition that can often be anticipated or prepared for but seldom exactly foreseen
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