CRISIS

crisis

(noun) a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something; “after the crisis the patient either dies or gets better”

crisis

(noun) an unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty; “they went bankrupt during the economic crisis”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

crisis (plural crises)

A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point.

An unstable situation, in political, social, economic or military affairs, especially one involving an impending abrupt change.

A sudden change in the course of a disease, usually at which point the patient is expected to either recover or die.

(psychology) A traumatic or stressful change in a person's life.

(drama) A point in a drama at which a conflict reaches a peak before being resolved.

Source: Wiktionary


Cri"sis (kr"ss), n.; pl. Crises (-s. Etym: [L. crisis, Gr. Certain.]

1. The point of time when it is to be decided whether any affair or course of action must go on, or be modified or terminate; the decisive moment; the turning point. This hour's the very crisis of your fate. Dryden. The very times of crisis for the fate of the country. Brougham.

2. (Med.)

Definition: That change in a disease which indicates whether the result is to be recovery or death; sometimes, also, a striking change of symptoms attended by an outward manifestation, as by an eruption or sweat. Till some safe crisis authorize their skill. Dryden.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

4 April 2025

GUILLOTINE

(verb) kill by cutting the head off with a guillotine; “The French guillotined many Vietnamese while they occupied the country”


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