Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sudden, serious, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action: An "emergency" is an unexpected event that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment and demands urgent intervention.
   • A state of crisis where normal procedures are suspended: In official contexts, an "emergency" can refer to a formally declared state, often involving special powers or laws, due to a severe crisis.
   • (Less common) A hand-operated brake, especially in vehicles: This is a specific mechanical use of the word.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (General Crisis):
  • Call 911 only in a real emergency, such as a fire or a medical crisis.
  • The pilot made an emergency landing after an engine failure.
• Noun (Declared State):
  • The president declared a state of emergency following the major earthquake.
  • Martial law was imposed during the national emergency.
• Noun (Mechanical Device - rare):
  • The driver pulled the emergency brake to stop the rolling car.

Advanced Usage

• "to rise to the emergency": To prove capable of handling a sudden crisis effectively.
  • The medical team rose to the emergency and saved many lives.
• "state of emergency": An official government declaration during a major disaster or crisis, granting temporary special powers.
  • A state of emergency allows for the rapid mobilization of resources.

Variants and Related Words

• Emergent (adj): Coming into view or existence; often used in scientific contexts (e.g., ). Can also relate to an emergency (e.g., ).
• Emergency room (ER) (n): The department in a hospital for treating acute medical conditions.

Synonyms

• Crisis: A time of intense difficulty or danger.
• Exigency: An urgent need or demand.
• Danger: The possibility of harm or death.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In case of emergency: Used to indicate procedures to follow during a crisis.
  • Break the glass in case of emergency.
• Emergency exit: A designated door for quick evacuation in a crisis.
  • Please locate your nearest emergency exit.
• Emergency funds/supplies: Money or resources set aside for urgent, unexpected needs.
  • It's wise to have emergency funds saved.

Noun

1. a brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage
2. a state in which martial law applies
   • the governor declared a state of emergency
3. a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
   • he never knew what to do in an emergency