emergency
ih-MER-jen-see
/ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
Implies urgency and often a potential for harm if not addressed quickly. Can refer to the situation itself or the services that respond to it.
The story behind the word. The word 'emergency' comes from the Latin 'emergere,' meaning 'to rise up, bring to light.' This root gave us 'emergent,' referring to something appearing or rising. By the 17th century, 'emergency' evolved to describe a sudden, unforeseen occurrence that 'rises up' and demands immediate attention, much like a hidden danger suddenly revealing itself.
Word relationships
- crisis: Crisis often implies a turning point or unstable period, while emergency emphasizes immediate danger and the need for action.
- contingency: Contingency refers to a future event that may happen, often planned for, whereas an emergency is an immediate, present situation.
- routine: Routine refers to a regular, predictable course of action, opposite to the unexpected nature of an emergency.
- calm: Calm describes a state of peace and absence of urgency, contrasting with the high-stress nature of an emergency.
Commonly confused with
- accident: An accident is an unforeseen event, often negative, but not all accidents are emergencies. An emergency specifically demands immediate action due to danger.
Word family
- emergent (adjective): In the process of coming into being or becoming prominent; arising.
- emergence (noun): The process of coming into being or becoming prominent.
Collocations
- medical emergency
- national emergency
- state of emergency
- emergency services
- emergency exit
Idioms & expressions
- in case of emergency
Example sentences
- "The hospital declared an internal emergency after the mass casualty incident, calling in all available staff." Describing a sudden medical crisis.
- "She works in the emergency room, dealing with critical cases daily." Referring to a specific type of service.
- "In an emergency, every second counts, so knowing basic first aid is crucial." Highlighting the need for quick action.
Memory hook
Think of an 'E-MERGENCY' as something that 'EMERGES' suddenly and urgently, requiring quick action. EMERGES suddenly
When not to use
Do not use for minor inconveniences or non-urgent matters. It implies a significant threat or need for rapid intervention.
Fun facts
- The term 'emergency brake' appeared in the early 20th century, specifically for a brake used only in urgent situations.
- Before the 17th century, 'emergency' could also mean a 'coming forth' or 'a rising from difficulty,' not necessarily a dangerous situation.
Explore more words
crisis management, acute, imminent, abrupt, unforeseen, emergency fund
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