emergency

noun

emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən(t)-sē 

plural emergencies

often attributive

1

: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action

2

: an urgent need for assistance or relief

the mayor declared a state of emergency after the flood

Synonyms

• crisis

Choose the Right Synonym for emergency

juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, strait (or straits) crisis mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs.

juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events.

an important juncture in our country's history

exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation.

provide for exigencies

emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster.

the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies

contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence.

contingency plans

pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency.

come through in a pinch

strait, now commonly straits, applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult.

in dire straits

crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference.

a crisis of confidence

Examples of emergency in a Sentence

Her quick thinking in an emergency saved the baby's life.

an alert, quick-thinking girl who is good to have around in an emergency

Recent Examples on the Web

The flooding could take out your emergency generators. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025

The State Board passed an emergency regulation that went into effect July 23 that allowed Wright to extend Tasker-Mitchell’s reinstatement until Jan. 19 or until a hearing occurs. —William J. Ford, Baltimore Sun, 16 Aug. 2025

While many have transitioned their phone systems to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions, POTS lines still support critical infrastructure: fire alarms, security systems, elevators, entry gates, hospital emergency phones, Blue Light safety systems, credit card machines, and fax lines. —Arvin Chaudhary, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025

From at-a-glance notifications to workout and sleep tracking to emergency SOS alerts in case of an accident, these wrist gadgets are worth considering for going off to college or leading a class full of students. —Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing emergency

• emergency brake
• emergency contraception
• emergency medical technician
• emergency medicine
• emergency room
• emergency use authorization

Rhymes for emergency

• insurgency
• counterinsurgency
• nonemergency
• urgency

Kids Definition

emergency

noun

emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən-sē 

plural emergencies

1

: an unexpected situation that calls for immediate action

2

: an urgent need for help

a state of emergency

Medical Definition

emergency

noun

emer·​gen·​cy i-ˈmər-jən-sē 

plural emergencies

: 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

Legal Definition

emergency

noun

emer·​gen·​cy

plural emergencies

1

: an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action

2

: an urgent need for assistance or relief

a state of emergency