Main Entry: cri·sis

Pronunciation: \ˈkrī-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural cri·ses \-ˌsēz\

1 : the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever ; especially : a sudden turn for the better (as sudden abatement in severity of symptoms or abrupt drop in temperature)—compare lysis 1
2 : a paroxysmal attack of pain, distress, or disordered function <tabetic crisis> <cardiac crisis>
3 : an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life
4 : a psychological or social condition characterized by unusual instability caused by excessive stress and either endangering or felt to endanger the continuity of an individual or group ; especially : such a social condition requiring the transformation of cultural patterns and values