state of emergency

[ steyt uhv i-mur-juhn-see ]

noun

1. a situation of urgent need for help and relief, brought about by a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other crisis, especially as declared by a governor, president, mayor, or other official:

   As devastation from last night’s tornadoes continues to be assessed, the governor has declared a state of emergency in the three worst-hit counties.

Word History and Origins

Origin of state of emergency¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

He has promised to make public safety his priority, including plans to declare a fentanyl state of emergency on his first day in office.

From Los Angeles Times

The regions of Kursk and Belgorod have both declared a state of emergency.

From BBC

Central to Trump and his agents’ plans to impose their authoritarian vision on American society is Nazi legal theorist and jurist Carl Schmitt’s concept of a state of exception and the distinction between “friend and enemy” in a permanent state of emergency where the ruler, i.e.

From Salon

“We are going to declare a fentanyl state of emergency on Day 1 of our administration,” Lurie pledged during a Friday news conference.

From Los Angeles Times

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who visited the fire zone Thursday, proclaimed a state of emergency that day in the county, which helped mobilize firefighting resources.

From Los Angeles Times