EMERGENCY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does emergency mean? 

• EMERGENCY (noun)
  The noun EMERGENCY has 3 senses:

1. a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

2. a state in which martial law applies

3. a brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage

  Familiarity information: EMERGENCY used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EMERGENCY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Synonyms:

emergency; exigency; pinch

Context example:

he never knew what to do in an emergency

Hypernyms ("emergency" is a kind of...):

crisis (a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something)

Derivation:

emergent (occurring unexpectedly and requiring urgent action)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A state in which martial law applies

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Context example:

the governor declared a state of emergency

Hypernyms ("emergency" is a kind of...):

temporary state (a state that continues for a limited time)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

emergency; emergency brake; hand brake; parking brake

Hypernyms ("emergency" is a kind of...):

brake (a restraint used to slow or stop a vehicle)

Holonyms ("emergency" is a part of...):

automotive vehicle; motor vehicle (a self-propelled wheeled vehicle that does not run on rails)

 Context examples 

If you get very sick or badly hurt and need help right away, you should use emergency medical services.

(Emergency Medical Services, NIH)

Studies have shown that many opioid addictions start in the emergency room, where a patient with a broken bone or another injury is sent home with a prescription for a powerful painkiller.

(Study: Common Painkillers as Effective as Opioids in Hospital Emergency Room, VOA)

Emergency procedures must be performed as soon as possible because of substantial concerns that delay could lead to death.

(Emergency, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)

In the most polluted urban areas, trees had a particularly strong association with fewer emergency asthma cases.

(Asthma Attacks Reduced in Tree-Lined Urban Neighborhoods, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

Since then, the installation of emergency modules has made it possible for Brazilians to stay on the station and research to continue.

(Brazil ship off to Antarctica for research support, Agência Brasil)

"Asthma is the most common respiratory disease in young people and one of the leading reasons for hospitalisations and trips to emergency for children," Associate Professor Erbas said.

(Fish-Rich Diet Beneficial for Children with Asthma, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

This study included 439 adults who experienced head injury and were treated in the emergency department.

(Microbleeds may worsen outcome after head injury, National Institutes of Health)

If you feel nauseated, sluggish or shaky, seek emergency care.

(Diabetes Complications, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

While such a strategy would likely not replace life-saving, emergency epinephrine when anaphylaxis occurs, therapies targeting Tfh13 cells might prevent the onset of anaphylaxis when an allergic person is exposed to an allergen.

(Scientists discover immune cell subtype in mice that drives allergic reactions, National Institutes of Health)

If you have Addison disease, you should carry an emergency ID. It should say that you have the disease, list your medicines and say how much you need in an emergency.

(Addison Disease, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)