emergency

[ ih-mur-juhn-see ]

noun

, plural e·mer·gen·cies.

1. a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action.

   Synonyms: plight, quandary, pinch, extremity, exigency

2. a state, especially of need for help or relief, created by some unexpected event:

   a weather emergency; a financial emergency.

3. emergency room ( def ):

   Bring him to emergency—the doctor will meet you there.

adjective

1. granted, used, or for use in an emergency:

   an emergency leave; emergency lights.

emergency

/ ɪˈmɜːdʒənsɪ /

noun

1. 1. an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, esp of a danger demanding immediate remedy or action
   2. ( as modifier )

      an emergency exit

2. 1. a patient requiring urgent treatment
   2. ( as modifier )

      an emergency ward

3. state of emergency
   a condition, declared by a government, in which martial law applies, usually because of civil unrest or natural disaster
4. a player selected to stand by to replace an injured member of a team; reserve

Other Words From

• non·e·mer·gen·cy adjective noun plural nonemergencies
• post·e·mer·gen·cy adjective
• pre·e·mer·gen·cy adjective noun plural preemergencies

Word History and Origins

Origin of emergency¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Medieval Latin ēmergentia, equivalent to ēmerg- ( emerge ) + -entia noun suffix ( -ency ); emergent

Synonym Study

Emergency, crisis, straits refer to dangerous situations. An emergency is a situation demanding immediate action: A power failure created an emergency in transportation. A crisis is a vital or decisive turning point in a condition or state of affairs, and everything depends on the outcome of it: Help arrived when affairs had reached a crisis. Strait (usually straits ) suggests a pressing situation, often one of need or want: The family was in desperate straits for food and clothing.

Example Sentences

And the Band Aid Charitable Trust is thought to have raised more than £140 million for long-term development projects and emergency aid.

From Salon

"One person did in fact die, several were seriously ill and a total of 87 members of the public presented to the hospital emergency department as a result of the Novichok," he said.

From BBC

In many cases, the administration only needs to determine there is a national emergency or a national security threat.

From Los Angeles Times

The emergency services were called to Lux nightclub in the city centre at about 02:20 GMT after reports that two women had fallen unconscious.

From BBC

"It's an emergency," said Buttercups communications administrator Matt Huggins.

From BBC

Related Words

• accident
• crunch
• difficulty
• necessity
• tension

More About Emergency

What is an emergency?

An emergency is an unexpected or urgent event that demands immediate attention. The event is often a serious or dangerous situation, such as not being able to breathe or a fire burning in one’s home. 

An emergency is similar to a crisis. In both situations, there is danger that needs to be resolved. An emergency often requires a faster response than a crisis because the danger is more immediate. A crisis may allow more time for planning. For example, being without a job can be a crisis if you already have some money to pay your bills with while you look for a new job. A job loss becomes an emergency when you don’t have any money to pay your bills.

There are many types of emergencies. You might experience a medical emergency, in which you need medical help right away. You might have a family emergency, in which you need to help someone in your family right away. Weather emergencies are situations in which weather is so severe that it could harm the people experiencing it. A snowstorm, tornado, and hurricane are all examples of weather emergencies.

As a noun, emergency can also be used to refer to the emergency department of a hospital. In this department, often called the ER (for emergency room) or A&E (for accident and emergency), patients with sudden and serious illnesses or injuries are treated quickly. 

As an adjective, emergency can be used to describe anything that requires attention that would be considered an emergency or that resolves an emergency. Your emergency savings, for example, would be money you saved solely for use in an emergency, such as suddenly needing to buy a new car. Emergency responders are people who respond in an emergency, such as firefighters and medical staff. As well, the Emergency Alert System is a national warning system used to warn people of events like hurricanes, child abductions, and evacuations. 

Example: The Hernandezes prepare for weather emergencies by stocking up on batteries, candles, and packaged foods.

Where does emergency come from?

The first records of the term emergency come from around the 1620s. It comes from the Medieval Latin word ēmergentia, also meaning “emergency.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of emergency?

• nonemergency (adjective, noun)
• postemergency (adjective)
• preemergency (adjective, noun)

What are some synonyms for emergency?

• danger
• accident
• crisis
• difficulty
• tension

What are some words that share a root or word element with emergency? 

• emerge
• emergent
• emergency medicine
• emergency room
• emergency brake

What are some words that often get used in discussing emergency?

• funds
• surgery
• button

How is emergency used in real life?

Emergency is a very common word used for any event that arises requiring immediate action or immediate need for help.

During a “Code Blue” severe cold weather emergency, no homeless individual can be turned away from a #NYC shelter. New Yorkers who see a homeless individual outside in the cold are advised to call 311 for assistance. Stay warm & safe.

— Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) January 3, 2018

I didn't make it to the kitchen

LO fractured her elbow and we've been at the ER since this afternoon

We are now on the way to a specialist as she may need emergency surgery

Please send my baby some prayers and me some strength

— Wendy O (@CryptoWendyO) November 27, 2020

Check out my new research with @samanthacfu! We studied how localities are using emergency SLFRF funds to develop and preserve affordable housing. The most critical takeaway is the need for additional, ongoing federal funding to meet the need: https://t.co/HkxNAmDQcU

— Kate Reynolds (@katedreynolds) March 6, 2023

 

 

Try using emergency!

True or False?

An emergency doesn’t require an immediate response.