Meaning & Definition of word "Emergency"
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Emergency
/ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
noun:
- 1. A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
- Example: The fire department was called to respond to an emergency at the downtown hotel.
- 2. A sudden or urgent situation that poses a threat to life, health, property, or environment.
- Example: In case of medical emergencies, always call 911 for help.
- 3. The state of being in urgent need of help or action.
- Example: The flood created a public emergency, and residents had to evacuate immediately.
- 4. An unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action.
- Example: During the storm, the government declared a state of emergency.
Etymology
From Latin 'emergere', meaning 'to rise out or up'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
medical emergency:
A situation that requires immediate medical attention.
emergency services:
Public organizations providing urgent services, such as police or ambulance.
state of emergency:
A situation in which a government suspends normal procedures to respond to crisis.
Related Words
urgent:
Requiring immediate action or attention.
crisis:
A time of intense difficulty or danger.
disaster:
A sudden event causing great damage or hardship.
Slang Meanings of emergency
Meaning: EMT's slang for an urgent medical situation.
Example Sentence: It's a code red, we have an emergency!
Meaning: General slang for a situation that is out of control.
Example Sentence: This party is an emergency waiting to happen!