emergency
Plural
emergencies
1
an unexpected and usually dangerous situation needing immediate attention or action
- The lifeguard quickly responded to the emergency when a swimmer began struggling in the water.
- The pilot declared an emergency due to engine failure.
- The school conducted a drill to prepare students for a fire emergency.
- He called 911 when he realized the flooding in his basement was an emergency.
- The sudden power outage was treated as an emergency by the utility company.
2
a hand-operated brake used to stop a vehicle when the main brakes fail
- He engaged the emergency to stop the car on the steep slope.
- The driver pulled the emergency in a critical situation.
- She activated the emergency when the main brakes failed.
- The emergency was used to bring the train to a halt.
Synonyms:
3
a state in which martial law is imposed, suspending ordinary legal processes and granting military authorities control
- The president declared an emergency to restore order amid the riots.
- The government announced an emergency following the coup attempt.
- During the emergency, civilians were subject to curfews and increased security checks.
- The military took over the administration during the emergency.
- Under the emergency, certain civil liberties were temporarily suspended.