emergency

American  

[ih-mur-juhn-see] / ɪˈmɜr dʒən si /

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.

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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

The Philippines government has declared a state of emergency and has rolled out some targeted assistance, such as eliminating tolls for trucks carrying fresh produce and introducing fuel subsidies for transport workers, farmers and fishermen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

"Hospital care accounts for over 80% of public expenditure on health care for people in the last year of life, and most of that is spent on emergency care," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

A well-funded brokerage account does not automatically grant someone the legal right to speak for you in an emergency room.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

The crew called air traffic control for an emergency landing, and they were met with emergency medical personnel upon arriving on the ground.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

It was no longer safe for workers to stay in the control rooms near the reactors—or anywhere outside the emergency response center.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

• accident
• crunch
• difficulty
• necessity
• tension