crisis

[ krahy-sis ]

noun

, plural cri·ses [krahy, -seez].

1. a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is determined; turning point.
2. a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.
3. a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.
4. Medicine/Medical.
   1. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.
   2. the change itself.
5. the point in a play or story at which hostile elements are most tensely opposed to each other.

adjective

1. of, referring to, or for use in dealing with a crisis.

crisis

/ ˈkraɪsɪs /

noun

1. a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something, esp in a sequence of events or a disease
2. an unstable period, esp one of extreme trouble or danger in politics, economics, etc
3. pathol a sudden change, for better or worse, in the course of a disease

Other Words From

• crisic adjective
• post·crisis adjective noun plural postcrises

Word History and Origins

Origin of crisis¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin crisis “(medical) crisis,” from Greek krísis “decision, interpretation,” equivalent to kri- variant stem of krīnein “to decide, separate, judge” + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of crisis¹

C15: from Latin: decision, from Greek krisis, from krinein to decide

Synonym Study

See emergency.

Example Sentences

“We can not solve the housing crisis by driving construction workers into poverty,” carpenter Nicolas Reyes told committee members.

From Los Angeles Times

“SNAP is the first line of defense to address our nation’s deepening hunger crisis,” FitzSimons said.

From Salon

"Too many social homes have been sold off before they can be replaced, which has directly contributed to the worst housing crisis in living memory," said Rayner.

From BBC

With Scotland's prison population approaching "crisis" point, the Scottish government has tabled plans to let more prisoners out early.

From BBC

But you would be wrong to think the cost of living crisis is over.

From BBC

Related Words

• catastrophe
• change
• confrontation
• crunch
• deadlock
• dilemma
• disaster
• emergency
• impasse
• mess
• pressure
• situation
• trouble

What Is The Plural Of Crisis?

Plural word for crisis

The plural form of crisis is crises, pronounced [ krahy-seez ]. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -sis are also formed in the same way, including hypothesis/hypotheses, analysis/analyses, and axis/axes. A similar change is made when pluralizing appendix as appendices. 

Irregular plurals that are formed like crises derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin and Greek. 

Do you know: What is the plural of thesis?