Emergency Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛmrədʒənsi/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

An emergency is a sudden and unexpected event requiring immediate attention to prevent harm or danger, or a situation requiring urgent and decisive action.

Examples

1. “The fire alarm sounded, indicating a potential emergency in the building.”

2. “She took time off work to deal with the unexpected emergency of her family member’s hospitalization.”

Synonyms

1. Crisis

2. Crisis situation

3. Emergency situation

Antonyms

1. Routine solution

2. Planned activity

Etymology

The word “emergency” is derived from the Latin word “emergency”, which is a combination of “ex” meaning “out” and “mergere” meaning “to immerse” or “to dip”. This refers to the idea of being suddenly “dipped” into a difficult or critical situation.

Usage Notes

In formal contexts, use “emergency” to describe a situation requiring immediate attention or action, such as a medical emergency or a financial emergency. In informal contexts, use more descriptive phrases like “bad situation” or “challenging moment.”

Cultural References

Emergency has been featured in various forms of media, including emergency response training videos, novel emergency surgeries, and the popular TV show “Emergency!” which depicted the work of paramedics and firefighters.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Call an emergency meeting”

2. “In emergency situations”

3. “Emergency exit”

Related Words or Phrases

1. Crisis

2. Emergency services

3. Urgent care

Collocations

1. Emergency services

2. Emergency response

3. Emergency room

Frequency of Use

The word “emergency” is commonly used in various contexts, including medical, financial, and social situations. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “emergency” is one of the top 100 most frequently used words in American English.

Common Misspellings

1. Emergancy

2. Emergencye

3. Emergensi

Additional Information

Emergencies can arise from natural disasters, accidents, or human actions. It is essential to have a plan in place for emergency situations, including a first-aid kit, emergency contacts, and a plan for evacuation. In modern society, emergency services are crucial for responding to emergencies and maintaining public safety.

Countries around the world have different emergency numbers, also known as emergency phone numbers or distress numbers, which citizens can call in case of an emergency. Some countries use a single number, while others use multiple numbers for different types of emergencies.

Emergency situations can also have a significant impact on people’s mental health and well-being, leading to anxiety, stress, or even trauma.

Regular emergency drills and training can help individuals and communities prepare for potential emergencies and respond effectively in crisis situations.