emergency

American  

[ih-mur-juhn-see] / ɪˈmɜr dʒən si /

noun

emergencies plural

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.

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adjective

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

   an emergency leave; emergency lights.

emergency British  

/ 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

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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- ( see emerge) + -entia noun suffix ( see -ency); see also emergent

Explanation

When there's an emergency, the stakes are high and you may need to act quickly. There's a tornado! Someone's collapsed! The cat's stuck in a tree! It's an emergency! Call 911! You can see the word emerge in emergency, and an emergency suddenly emerges — it happens all of a sudden and can take you by surprise. Governments declare a "state of emergency" if there is a disaster that they can't handle, and they need support. If you hear sirens and see flashing lights, there's probably an emergency . . . unless you're in a dance club.

Example Sentences

It’s the “just right” amount to pay the interest and reduce principal — but it doesn’t cut into my emergency savings, and it still leaves me money for short-term goals like planning a wedding.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

Not only would those with unintended pregnancies would suffer, but also those who were miscarrying or had emergency situations like ectopic pregnancies.

From Salon • May 26, 2026

Some 50,000 people remain under evacuation orders as a precaution, and a state of emergency has been declared by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

At one point, the tank began to bulge, prompting fears among emergency workers of a potential BLEVE.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

“The Federal Emergency Management Agency. City, state, federal government, they’re all telling me the same thing. They can’t get us food and water because they’re ‘too busy handling the emergency.’

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• accident
• crunch
• difficulty
• necessity
• tension