emergency

[ih-mur-juhn-see]

noun

plural

emergencies 

1. a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action.

   Synonyms: plight, quandary, pinch, extremity, exigency

2. a state, especially of need for help or relief, created by some unexpected event.

   a weather emergency; a financial emergency.

3. emergency room.

   Bring him to emergency—the doctor will meet you there.

adjective

1. granted, used, or for use in an emergency.

   an emergency leave; emergency lights.

emergency

/ ɪˈmɜːdʒənsɪ /

noun

1. 1. an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, esp of a danger demanding immediate remedy or action

   2. ( as modifier )

      an emergency exit

2. 1. a patient requiring urgent treatment

   2. ( as modifier )

      an emergency ward

3. a condition, declared by a government, in which martial law applies, usually because of civil unrest or natural disaster

4. a player selected to stand by to replace an injured member of a team; reserve

Other Word Forms

• nonemergency adjective
• postemergency adjective
• preemergency adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of emergency¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Medieval Latin ēmergentia, equivalent to ēmerg- ( emerge ) + -entia noun suffix ( -ency ); emergent

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Cassandra and Josephine like that they can run over to help if Elijah has a medical emergency.

From Los Angeles Times

The names of two companies that got hacked this year were shared as examples of when a deal was struck - a UK healthcare company and a US emergency services provider.

From BBC

She spent time there in 2024 and contacted us through 'Your Voice, Your BBC News' after reading a report where MPs described the rise in cases as an "emergency".

From BBC

An emergency meeting on Saturday decided to send 500 more troops to help firefighters, police, and volunteers on the ground, Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare said on X.

From BBC

A mayor has praised emergency crews for their response to a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a takeaway that left one man dead and seven others needing treatment.

From BBC

Related Words

• accident 
• crunch 
• difficulty 
• necessity 
• tension 

When To Use

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.