Category:Emergency

E*mer"gen*cy, n.; pl. Emergencies. Etym: [See Emergence.]

1. Sudden or unexpected appearance; an unforeseen occurrence; a sudden occasion. Most our rarities have been found out by casual emergency. Glanvill.

2. An unforeseen occurrence or combination of circumstances which calls for immediate action or remedy; pressing necessity; exigency. To whom she might her doubts propose, On all emergencies that rose. Swift. A safe counselor in most difficult emergencies. Brougham.

Syn. -- Crisis; conjuncture; exigency; pinch; strait; necessity.