state of emergency

American  

[steyt uhv i-mur-juhn-see] / ˈsteɪt əv ɪˈmɜr dʒən si /

noun

1. a situation of urgent need for help and relief, brought about by a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other crisis, especially as declared by a governor, president, mayor, or other official.

   As devastation from last night’s tornadoes continues to be assessed, the governor has declared a state of emergency in the three worst-hit counties.

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Etymology

Origin of state of emergency

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

state of emergency

The lack of rain has contributed to water shortages and rationing in some communities, prompting Puerto Rico's governor to declare a state of emergency in late July.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on 10 August, prompting a state of emergency to be declared.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

"It's a serious storm," Governor Josh Green said, proclaiming a state of emergency to ensure the state and its counties "have sufficient resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and take other measures to prepare."

From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026

The Knicks game took place years after the public-health state of emergency had ended in New York state.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

By invoking a state of emergency, Hitler was able to suspend Germany's constitution.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple