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