crisis

American  

[krahy-sis] / ˈkraɪ sɪs /

noun

• crises
  plural

1. a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is determined; turning point.

2. a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.

3. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.

4. Medicine/Medical.

   1. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.

   2. the change itself.

5. the point in a play or story at which hostile elements are most tensely opposed to each other.

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adjective

1. of, referring to, or for use in dealing with a crisis.

crisis British  

/ ˈkraɪsɪs /

noun

1. a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something, esp in a sequence of events or a disease

2. an unstable period, esp one of extreme trouble or danger in politics, economics, etc

3. pathol a sudden change, for better or worse, in the course of a disease

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Usage

Plural word for crisis The plural form of crisis is crises, pronounced [ krahy-seez ]. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -sis are also formed in the same way, including hypothesis/hypotheses, analysis/analyses, and axis/axes. A similar change is made when pluralizing appendix as appendices. Irregular plurals that are formed like crises derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin and Greek. Do you know: What is the plural of thesis?

Synonym Usage

See emergency.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• crisic
  adjective
• postcrisis
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• crises
  plural

Etymology

Origin of crisis

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin crisis “(medical) crisis,” from Greek krísis “decision, interpretation,” equivalent to kri- variant stem of krīnein “to decide, separate, judge” + -sis -sis

Explanation

A crisis is a difficult or dangerous time in which a solution is needed — and quickly. For example, the crisis caused by a natural disaster might inspire you and your friends to make a donation. The noun crisis comes from the Latinized form of the Greek word krisis, meaning "turning point in a disease." At such a moment, the person with the disease could get better or worse: it's a critical moment. Think of a celebrity whose recent antics generate headlines like "Rock Star in Crisis" — that person needs help that may or may not be sought. At the moment of crisis, things are unstable and maybe even dangerous.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

crisis crises

Back in March, analysts warned that the greatest energy crisis ever would send oil to the triple digits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

Perez Hilton’s family has revealed that his children were home when his mental health crisis began to unfold, and now they’re asking the media for space so the family can safely return home.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026

"Although taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf, the visit will carry significance beyond the immediate crisis and short-term considerations," Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.

From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026

After the global financial crisis and through the 2010s, central and commercial banks absorbed rising issuance through quantitative easing.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026

Pierce, a Northerner, believed that the Compromise of 1850 had solved the slavery issue, declaring, “We have been carried in safety through a perilous crisis …” He wanted Americans to concentrate on prosperity and peace.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Spiraling debt crises were forcing West African countries—Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria—to lay off state workers, who struggled to land jobs in the private sector.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

In the past, Berceren writes, heavy government issuance was associated with wars, recessions and financial crises.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026

"As the security environment becomes increasingly and rapidly severe, what is required now is to strengthen resilience against crises all across the entire Indo-Pacific region," Koizumi said.

From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026

One of those crises is the city’s chronic problem with the homeless population.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026

I realize now that under different circumstances that conversation might have been one of the crises of my life.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Related Words

• catastrophe
• change
• confrontation
• crunch
• deadlock
• dilemma
• disaster
• emergency
• impasse
• mess
• pressure
• situation
• trouble