exigent

[ ek-si-juhnt ]

adjective

1. requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing.
2. requiring a great deal, or more than is reasonable.

exigent

/ ˈɛksɪdʒənt /

adjective

1. urgent; pressing
2. exacting; demanding

Derived Forms

• ˈexigently, adverb

Other Words From

• exi·gent·ly adverb
• non·exi·gent adjective
• non·exi·gent·ly adverb
• un·exi·gent adjective
• un·exi·gent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of exigent¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin exigent- (stem of exigēns ) (present participle of exigere to drive out, demand), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -ig- (combining form of agere to drive) + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of exigent¹

C15: from Latin exigere to drive out, weigh out, from agere to drive, compel

Example Sentences

The researchers expected single people to lower their standards given the exigent circumstances.

From Time

That is because cases of fleeing misdemeanants will almost always also involve a recognized exigent circumstance — such as a risk of escape, destruction of evidence, or harm to others — that will still justify warrantless entry into a home.

From Washington Post

The need to accelerate the vaccination program before the lure of summer intercedes has never been more exigent—nor has the imperative to remain cautious and patient, even when the end appears to be in sight.

From Time

Jones’s omnibus bill includes the repeal of the bill of rights but also a body camera requirement, a use-of-force policy that bans no-knock warrants except under “exigent circumstances” and bans chokeholds, and other changes.

From Washington Post

Officers deserve “substantial discretion to analyze the situation, as the court has always said, but do require a showing of actual exigent circumstances,” Fisher said.

From Washington Post

He counsels me not to be exigent in my terms; if he knew me better, perhaps, he would not have deemed the advice so necessary.

From Project Gutenberg

Are we too exigent when we implore the whites to preach by example?

From Project Gutenberg

The more modest and simple the Rav, the haughtier and more exigent the Rebbetzin.

From Project Gutenberg

Nay, because Slavery is powerful, because the Enterprise is difficult, therefore is the duty of all more exigent.

From Project Gutenberg

But it is a long and exigent part, and there were times in the play when her physical strength was overtaxed.

From Project Gutenberg