Definition of "emergency" []

• A serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action. (noun)
• A condition of urgent need for action or assistance: a state of emergency. (noun)
• For use during emergencies: emergency food rations. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "DOD emergency functions include: _damage survey_, _search and rescue_, _emergency medical care_,"
• "Despite the prevalent use of the term emergency cesarean, this surgery is fairly rare."
• ""The term 'emergency' is being used in a fast and loose fashion to cover yet more indecisive murmurings around the Greek bailout," he added in emailed comments."