state of emergency

[steyt uhv i-mur-juhn-see]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of state of emergency¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who declared a state of emergency to deal with the disaster, vowed to build back.

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Peru's government declared a state of emergency at its southern border with Chile due to the influx of people.

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency on Saturday to deal with the aftermath of the cyclone and appealed for international aid.

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Neighboring Peru would be one option, but the Peruvian government on Friday declared a state of emergency along its border with Chile, reinforcing its military surveillance to block migrants seeking to cross into the country.

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This is not the first time Peru has mobilized its military along the border with Chile -- in April 2023, a state of emergency was enacted for two months in response to the number of undocumented migrants, mostly Venezuelans, crossing the border.

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