emergency meaning and definition

EMERGENCY noun

Definition of emergency (noun)

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