emergency
noun [ C ]
uk/ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi/ usplural emergenciesa dangerous or serious situation that happens unexpectedly and needs fast action in order to avoid harmful results:
Aim to build up risk-free savings in case of emergency.
The governor declared a state of emergency as flooding forced more than 1,400 residents from their homes.
emergency
adjective [ before noun ]
uk/ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi/ usintended to help deal with an emergency:
Another $2 billion in surplus revenue will be set aside, by law, in a state emergency fund.
emergency measure/plan/procedure Emergency measures introduced by major credit card issuers to stem the tide of fraud should be in place by the autumn.
emergency aid/assistance/help
done very quickly because there is an emergency:
Seven board members called for an emergency meeting.