emergency

emer·gen·cy

noun \i-ˈmər-jən-sē\

plural emer·gen·cies

Definition of EMERGENCY

: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action: as a : a sudden bodily alteration (as a ruptured appendix or surgical shock) such as is likely to require immediate medical attention b : a usually distressing event or condition that can often be anticipated or prepared for but seldom exactly foreseen