n. (pl. -ies) 1 a sudden state of danger, conflict, etc., requiring immediate action. 2 a a medical condition requiring immediate treatment. b a patient with such a condition. 3 (attrib.) characterized by or for use in an emergency. 4 Austral. Sport a reserve player. state of emergency a condition of danger or disaster affecting a country, esp. with normal constitutional procedures suspended.
[ med.L emergentia (as EMERGE) ]