Medical Dictionary

crisis

noun cri·sis \ˈkrī-səs\
plural cri·ses \-ˌsēz\

Medical Definition of CRISIS

1
:  the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever; especially :  a sudden turn for the better (as sudden abatement in severity of symptoms or abrupt drop in temperature)—compare lysis 1
2
:  a paroxysmal attack of pain, distress, or disordered function <tabetic crisis> <cardiac crisis>
3
:  an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life
4
:  a psychological or social condition characterized by unusual instability caused by excessive stress and either endangering or felt to endanger the continuity of an individual or group; especially :  such a social condition requiring the transformation of cultural patterns and values
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