Dictionary.com

state of emergency

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

noun

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.

QUIZZES

TAKE THIS QUIZ IF A DAZZLING VOCABULARY IS YOUR DESIDERATUM!

Have the Words of the Day from October 19–25, 2020, made an indelible mark on your memory? Take the quiz to find out!
Question 1 of 7
What does “clement” mean?
having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.
mild or merciful in disposition or character; lenient; compassionate.
favorite; cherished.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of state of emergency

First recorded in 1955–60

Words nearby state of emergency

statement, statement of claim, statement savings account, statements of case, Staten Island, state of emergency, state of matter, state of the art, State of the Union address, State of the Union message, state of war
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020