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
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
Dependence on China for critical components and equipment makes India vulnerable to price gouging, especially during emergencies.
—
Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
During weather emergencies, the homes have structural limitations.
—Albinson Linares, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
The company continues to focus on the development and commercialization of its core products, including personal emergency response systems and health communications devices.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
The Saratoga Fire District, which provides fire and emergency services for 12.5 miles of the city of Saratoga and unincorporated land to the south of the city, had two open seats on its board of directors.
—Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for emergency 
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Harsh V. Pant, Foreign Affairs, 14 Nov. 2024
During weather emergencies, the homes have structural limitations.
—Albinson Linares, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
The company continues to focus on the development and commercialization of its core products, including personal emergency response systems and health communications devices.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
The Saratoga Fire District, which provides fire and emergency services for 12.5 miles of the city of Saratoga and unincorporated land to the south of the city, had two open seats on its board of directors.
—Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for emergency
Articles Related to emergency
Dictionary Entries Near emergency
Cite this Entry
“Emergency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emergency. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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