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emergency

noun, often attributive
emer·​gen·​cy | \ i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio) \
plural emergencies

Definition of emergency

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
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about emergency

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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

 In a Brady emergency, the difference between Hoyer and Stidham could be the difference between getting a first-round bye or not. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Some thoughts on changes in the Patriots’ roster composition," 1 Sep. 2019 State of emergencies are in effect for the entire states of Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, and 12 counties in Georgia. — Grace Segers, CBS News, "Trump meets with FEMA officials at Camp David to prepare for Hurricane Dorian," 31 Aug. 2019 Modified round metal grain bins are used to provide housing, hospitals, schools and other shelters to help with emergency and recovery efforts. — Kathy Berdan, Twin Cities, "Today at the Fair: Friday, Aug. 30: MPR Day," 30 Aug. 2019 Left-hander John Means was activated off the family medical emergency list Friday to start the series opener in his native Kansas City. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles’ Brandon Hyde: Recent dugout altercations distract from ‘the culture that we really feel good about’," 30 Aug. 2019 The state Public Health Department investigated and found deficiencies related to emergency medical equipment not being fully checked for readiness, and IV tubing not being properly labeled, among other things. — Lisa Schencker, chicagotribune.com, "University of Chicago Medicine nurses give union the OK to call a strike," 30 Aug. 2019 Florida has been declared in a state of emergency, and drinking water at local stores is being limited to four cases per family. — Kieran Nicholson, The Denver Post, "Coloradans send drinking water to Florida as Hurricane Dorian nears coast," 30 Aug. 2019 Now that record fires are engulfing the Amazon, started by humans seeking to log, mine and farm on the land, supporters are using the international emergency to double down on their case for offsets. — Lisa Song, ProPublica, "If Carbon Offsets Require Forests to Stay Standing, What Happens When the Amazon Is on Fire?," 29 Aug. 2019 Lewis said the idea is to familiarize staff at these venues with their own approach to emergencies. — Perry Vandell, azcentral, "'Knowledge is preparedness': Phoenix police hold active shooter drill at Herberger Theater," 27 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emergency.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of emergency

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for emergency

emergency

noun
How to pronounce emergency (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of emergency

: an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action

See the full definition for emergency in the English Language Learners Dictionary

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy | \ i-ˈmər-jən-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio) \
plural emergencies

Kids Definition of emergency

: an unexpected situation that requires immediate action a medical emergency

emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy | \ i-ˈmər-jən-sē How to pronounce emergency (audio) \
plural emergencies

Medical Definition of emergency

: 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

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emergency

noun
emer·​gen·​cy
plural emergencies

Legal Definition of emergency

1

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