emergency
Americannoun
plural
emergencies-
a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action.
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a state, especially of need for help or relief, created by some unexpected event.
a weather emergency; a financial emergency.
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Bring him to emergency—the doctor will meet you there.
adjective
noun
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an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, esp of a danger demanding immediate remedy or action
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( as modifier )
an emergency exit
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a patient requiring urgent treatment
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( as modifier )
an emergency ward
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a condition, declared by a government, in which martial law applies, usually because of civil unrest or natural disaster
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a player selected to stand by to replace an injured member of a team; reserve
Usage
What is an emergency? An emergency is an unexpected or urgent event that demands immediate attention. The event is often a serious or dangerous situation, such as not being able to breathe or a fire burning in one’s home. An emergency is similar to a crisis. In both situations, there is danger that needs to be resolved. An emergency often requires a faster response than a crisis because the danger is more immediate. A crisis may allow more time for planning. For example, being without a job can be a crisis if you already have some money to pay your bills with while you look for a new job. A job loss becomes an emergency when you don’t have any money to pay your bills.There are many types of emergencies. You might experience a medical emergency, in which you need medical help right away. You might have a family emergency, in which you need to help someone in your family right away. Weather emergencies are situations in which weather is so severe that it could harm the people experiencing it. A snowstorm, tornado, and hurricane are all examples of weather emergencies.As a noun, emergency can also be used to refer to the emergency department of a hospital. In this department, often called the ER (for emergency room) or A&E (for accident and emergency), patients with sudden and serious illnesses or injuries are treated quickly. As an adjective, emergency can be used to describe anything that requires attention that would be considered an emergency or that resolves an emergency. Your emergency savings, for example, would be money you saved solely for use in an emergency, such as suddenly needing to buy a new car. Emergency responders are people who respond in an emergency, such as firefighters and medical staff. As well, the Emergency Alert System is a national warning system used to warn people of events like hurricanes, child abductions, and evacuations. Example: The Hernandezes prepare for weather emergencies by stocking up on batteries, candles, and packaged foods.
Related Words
Emergency, crisis, straits refer to dangerous situations. An emergency is a situation demanding immediate action: A power failure created an emergency in transportation. A crisis is a vital or decisive turning point in a condition or state of affairs, and everything depends on the outcome of it: Help arrived when affairs had reached a crisis. Strait (usually straits ) suggests a pressing situation, often one of need or want: The family was in desperate straits for food and clothing.
Other Word Forms
- nonemergency adjective
- postemergency adjective
- preemergency adjective
Etymology
Origin of emergency
First recorded in 1625–35; from Medieval Latin ēmergentia, equivalent to ēmerg- ( emerge ) + -entia noun suffix ( -ency ); emergent
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The King, speaking in the abbey's medieval Lady Chapel, also hailed the "spontaneous bravery" of those who helped in emergencies, such as the Bondi Beach attack in Australia.
From BBC
Torrential rains unleashed flash floods and warnings of debris flow across southern California, particularly in fire-scarred areas, with further downpours forecast for Thursday as authorities declared a state of emergency in several counties.
From Barron's
Devon and Cornwall Police were called at 10:25 GMT to the beach at Budleigh Salterton after concern was raised for people in the water, prompting a significant emergency response.
From BBC
California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta counties in response to a series of powerful storms hitting the region.
From Los Angeles Times
The best practice is to add between 5% and 10% to your budget as a buffer to protect against price spikes and emergency expenses.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
