emergency

Universal Words noun (plural emergencies) [C,U] a sudden serious and dangerous event or situation which needs immediate action to deal with it: The government has declared a state of emergency following the earthquake. * This door should only be used in an emergency. * the emergency exit (= to be used in an emergency) * The government had to take emergency action. * The pilot made an emergency landing in a field. * I always have some extra cash with me for emergencies. * The government has been granted emergency powers (= to deal with an emergency).