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

Arevalo said the state of emergency would allow the police and army to act against organized crime.

From Barron's

"I have decided to declare a state of emergency throughout the national territory for 30 days, starting today," Arevalo said in a national address.

From Barron's

Earlier this week, Kyiv declared a state of emergency in its energy sector and appointed former prime minister Denys Shmyhal as energy minister to tackle the situation.

From BBC

A state of emergency has been declared in Victoria as thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft battled the blaze.

From BBC

Inside the country, the government has imposed a state of emergency and deployed military forces to the streets, which has disincentivized mobilization.

From Slate