■ noun ( plural emergencies )
1》 a serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
↘[as modifier ] arising from or used in an ~: an ~ exit.
↘ N. Amer. the casualty department in a hospital.
2》 ( the Emergency ) Irish historical the Second World War.
3》 Austral./NZ dated (in sport) a reserve player or runner.
Origin
C17: from med. L. emergentia , from L. emergere (see emerge ).