EMERGENCY

emergency, exigency, pinch

(noun) a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action; “he never knew what to do in an emergency”

emergency

(noun) a state in which martial law applies; “the governor declared a state of emergency”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

emergency (plural emergencies)

A situation which poses an immediate risk and which requires urgent attention.

The department of a hospital that treats emergencies.

An individual brought in at short notice to replace a member of staff, a player in a sporting team, etc.

(archaic) The quality of being emergent; sudden or unexpected appearance; an unforeseen occurrence.

Synonyms

• (hospital department): ER, casualty, emerg

Source: Wiktionary

E*mer"gen*cy, n.; pl. Emergencies. Etym: [See Emergence.]

1. Sudden or unexpected appearance; an unforeseen occurrence; a sudden occasion. Most our rarities have been found out by casual emergency. Glanvill.

2. An unforeseen occurrence or combination of circumstances which calls for immediate action or remedy; pressing necessity; exigency. To whom she might her doubts propose, On all emergencies that rose. Swift. A safe counselor in most difficult emergencies. Brougham.

Syn.

– Crisis; conjuncture; exigency; pinch; strait; necessity.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition