Emergency

/ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.

The fire department was called to respond to an emergency at the downtown hotel.

A sudden or urgent situation that poses a threat to life, health, property, or environment.

In case of medical emergencies, always call 911 for help.

The state of being in urgent need of help or action.

The flood created a public emergency, and residents had to evacuate immediately.

An unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action.

During the storm, the government declared a state of emergency.

From Latin 'emergere', meaning 'to rise out or up'.

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.

EMT's slang for an urgent medical situation.

It's a code red, we have an emergency!

General slang for a situation that is out of control.

This party is an emergency waiting to happen!