emergency

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
  2. noun a state in which martial law applies
  3. noun a brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage

Etymology

Borrowed from Medieval Latin emergentia, from Latin emergens, present participle of emergo (“to emerge, arise, come forth”), equivalent to emergent + -cy or emerge + -ency. Doublet of emergence.

In classic literature

Synonyms

exigency, pinch

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