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.
Phrases and idioms:
state of emergency a condition of danger or disaster affecting a country, esp. with normal constitutional procedures suspended.
Etymology: med.L emergentia (as EMERGE)