Main Entry:

emer·gen·cy

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈmər-jənt-sē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural emer·gen·cies

Usage:

often attributive

Date:

circa 1631

1 : an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action 2 : an urgent need for assistance or relief <the governor declared a state of emergency after the flood>

synonyms see juncture