emergency

noun

emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio)
plural emergencies
often attributive
1
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for assistance or relief
the mayor declared a state of emergency after the flood
Choose the Right Synonym for emergency

juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, strait (or straits) crisis mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs.

juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Examples of emergency in a Sentence

Her quick thinking in an emergency saved the baby's life. an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Breed was one of the first large-city mayors in the country to declare a state of emergency during the pandemic, something that was credited with saving countless lives. Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Dec. 2024 European countries are preparing for possible conflicts with Russia in numerous other ways, including warning people to stockpile food sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 They were extracted by police officers who administered emergency aid before hospital transport. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024 Ukraine Russia launched a widespread attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure overnight, forcing the country to implement emergency power outages, Ukrainian authorities said today. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for emergency 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emergency was circa 1631

Dictionary Entries Near emergency

Cite this Entry

“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergency. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio)
plural emergencies
1
: an unexpected situation that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for help
a state of emergency

Medical Definition

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio)
plural emergencies
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action: as
a
: a sudden bodily alteration (as a ruptured appendix or surgical shock) such as is likely to require immediate medical attention
b
: a usually distressing event or condition that can often be anticipated or prepared for but seldom exactly foreseen

Legal Definition

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy
plural emergencies
1
: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action
2
: an urgent need for assistance or relief
a state of emergency

More from Merriam-Webster on emergency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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