ˈkrīsə̇s noun
( plural cri·ses -ˌsēz ; also crisises -səsə̇z)
Etymology: Latin, from Greek krisis, from krinein to separate — more at certain
1.
a. : the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever ; especially : a sudden turn for the better (as sudden abatement in severity of symptoms or abrupt drop in temperature) — compare lysis
b. : a paroxysmal attack of pain, distress, or disordered function
tabetic crisis
cardiac crisis
c. : an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life
2.
a. : the point of time when it is decided whether an affair or course of action shall proceed, be modified, or terminate : decisive moment : turning point
b. : such a point in the course of the action of a play or other work of fiction — compare climax , resolution
c. : the immediate sequel to the culminating point of a period of prosperity and rising markets at which the business organism is severely strained and forced liquidation occurs — see business cycle
3.
a. : an unstable state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending
recurrent cabinet crises trouble France
b. : a psychological or social condition characterized by unusual instability caused by excessive stress and either endangering or felt to endanger the continuity of the individual or his group ; especially : such a social condition requiring the transformation of existing cultural patterns and values
Synonyms: see juncture