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

New Zealand has declared a state of emergency in its capital city Wellington as torrential rain and flash flooding drenched the country's North Island.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Beyond the reopening of the holy sites in Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities have lifted most of the restrictions linked to the state of emergency.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The Philippines declared an energy state of emergency due to the imminent danger of critically low supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Additionally, it sets timelines for claims payments and prohibits insurers from halting payments for temporary housing until a home is cleared as safe, if a state of emergency has been declared.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

The storm was impressive, overwhelming snow-clearance efforts; the mayor had declared a state of emergency.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz