n.
(pl. emergencies)
- a serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
▸
[
as modifier]
arising from or used in an emergency:
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an emergency exit.
▸N. Amer. the casualty department in a hospital.
-
(the Emergency)
Irish historical the Second World War.
- Austral./NZ dated (in sport) a reserve player or runner.
Etymology
C17: from med. L. emergentia, from L. emergere (see emerge).
