Noun: emergency i'mur-jun(t)-see
- A sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
"he never knew what to do in an emergency";
- exigency, pinch, exigence
- A state in which martial law applies
"the governor declared a state of emergency"
- [N. Amer] Emergency department in a hospital or clinic, staffed and equipped to provide emergency care to people requiring immediate medical treatment
"The patient was rushed to the emergency room";
- emergency room [N. Amer], ER [N. Amer], accident and emergency [Brit], casualty [Brit], A&E [Brit]
- A brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage
"He forgot to release the emergency brake before driving off";
- hand brake, emergency brake, parking brake
Derived forms: emergencies
Type of: brake, crisis, hospital room, temporary state
Part of: automotive vehicle, motor vehicle
Encyclopedia: Emergency