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

But some real estate experts and policymakers said there was no need for the temporary rule that was part of the governor’s state of emergency.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 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

"But everything has a limit," he cautioned, refusing to rule out imposing a state of emergency if the standoff continued.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

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

The state of emergency was called off, and so we went ahead with plans for our retreat.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez