n., pl., -cies.
- A serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action.
- A condition of urgent need for action or assistance: a state of emergency.
For use during emergencies: emergency food rations.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.