crisis

cri·sis

noun \ˈkrī-səs\

plural cri·ses \-ˌsēz\

Definition of CRISIS

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