WordGarden.ioemergency
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmˈɜːdʒənsi/
US
- /ˈimərdʒənsi/
Meanings
Noun
a sudden dangerous situation that needs immediate action
Adjective
intended for use in an urgent dangerous situation
Beyond the definition
An emergency is a serious and unexpected situation that needs action right away. It could be a fire, a car accident, a sudden illness, or any other event that puts people, property, or health in danger. In moments like these, people may call 911, go to the emergency room, or ask for emergency help. The word gives a strong feeling that something cannot wait.
People also use it in a less serious way. Someone might joke about an "emergency" need for coffee or chocolate. Even then, the idea is still the same: something feels urgent and needs attention now.
An emergency is a situation that suddenly becomes serious and needs immediate action. It is more than an ordinary problem or inconvenience. The word is usually used when there is real danger or a strong risk of harm, such as to a person's life, health, safety, property, or even the wider public. A heart attack, a house fire, a major car crash, or a flood can all be called emergencies because waiting too long could make the situation much worse.
The word appears in many common expressions. An emergency room is the part of a hospital that treats people who need urgent care. Emergency services include police officers, firefighters, and ambulance workers who respond when fast help is needed. Schools, offices, and public buildings may have emergency plans, emergency alarms, and emergency exits to help people stay safe during a dangerous event. Governments may also declare a state of emergency during disasters or other major public threats.
Sometimes people use the word in a lighter, exaggerated way in everyday speech. For example, someone may say they have an "emergency" need for coffee, snacks, or sleep. In those cases, the situation is not truly dangerous, but the speaker wants to show a strong sense of urgency. Whether used literally or jokingly, the word suggests that something needs attention right away and should not be ignored.
Examples
- 1
Medical help
Call 911 if there's a medical emergency.
- 2
Preparedness
Keep this card in your wallet in case of emergency.
- Phrasein case of emergency
if an emergency happens
- 3
Urgent situations
Use the stairs only in an emergency.
- 4
Hospital care
She took her son to the emergency room when his fever got worse.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Building safety
Follow the signs to the nearest emergency exit.
- 6
Aviation
The pilot made an emergency landing after one engine failed.
- 7
Urgent meeting
We had to hold an emergency meeting that night.
- 8
Government powers
The city declared a state of emergency after the storm.
- Domaina state of emergency
an official period when the government gets special powers because of danger
- 9
Savings
She keeps some money aside for emergencies.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- routine situation
- normal conditions
Used with (collocations)
- medical emergency
- state of emergency
- in an emergency
- emergency services
Word family
Explore
- first aid
- evacuation
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- emergencynoun
Forms
- emergenciespluralnoun