emergency

Plural: emergencies

Noun

• a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
  • "he never knew what to do in an emergency"
• a state in which martial law applies
  • "the governor declared a state of emergency"
• a brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage
• A situation which poses an immediate risk and which requires urgent attention.
• The department of a hospital that treats emergencies.
• A person brought in at short notice to replace a member of staff, a player in a sporting team, etc.
• The quality of being emergent; sudden or unexpected appearance; an unforeseen occurrence.
• A critical urge to urinate or defecate.

Examples

• Cardiac arrest is an emergency requiring medical attention.

Synonyms

emergency brake, exigency, hand brake, parking brake, pinch, ER, casualty, emerg

Related Words

emerge, emergence, fire department, police