From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishemergencye‧mer‧gen‧cy /ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi $ -ɜːr-/ ●●● S3 W3 noun (plural emergencies) [countable, uncountable] SERIOUS SITUATIONan unexpected and dangerous situation that must be dealt with immediately → crisis Lifeguards are trained to deal with emergencies.in an emergency The staff need to know what to do in an emergency. In case of emergency, press the alarm button.emergency exit/supplies etc (=used in an emergency) $500,000 of emergency aid for the victims of the earthquake The plane had to make an emergency landing. The government called an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis. → state of emergencyCOLLOCATIONSverbsdeal with an emergencySeveral fire crews were called to deal with the emergency at the power plant.cope with an emergency (=succeed in dealing with an emergency)Do you think that you could cope with an emergency?handle an emergency (=deal with and make decisions about an emergency)There is always a doctor on call to handle emergencies.emergency + NOUNan emergency situationIf an emergency situation arises, the pilot and crew must stay calm.emergency aid/relief/help (=things such as food and medicine that are given to people when they are in a very dangerous situation)The charity made a television appeal for emergency aid to the region.emergency treatment (=medical treatment given to someone when they have been injured or become ill suddenly)The driver is undergoing emergency treatment at Park Royal Hospital.an emergency operation (=a medical operation that is carried out quickly when someone has been injured or become ill suddenly)He had an emergency operation to save his sight.an emergency meeting (=a meeting that is arranged quickly to discuss a very serious situation)The cabinet held an emergency meeting earlier today.an emergency session (=a political meeting that is arranged quickly to discuss a very serious situation)an emergency session of the UN Security Councilemergency measures (=special actions that are taken to deal with a very serious situation)The president announced emergency measures to deal with terrorism.emergency powers (=special powers that are given to the government, police, or army because there is a very serious situation)The army was given emergency powers to help tackle the rising violence.an emergency vehicle (=an ambulance or fire engine)Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.adjectivesa serious emergency (=a situation which involves danger to people)The police usually respond quickly to serious emergencies.an extreme emergency (=a situation that is very worrying or dangerous)These weapons should be used only in an extreme emergency.a major emergency (=a dangerous situation that affects a large number of people)In a major emergency, the national guard may be called in.a sudden/unexpected/unforeseen emergency (=a situation that was not planned)I left half an hour early in case of traffic jams or some other unforeseen emergency.phrasesin case of emergency/in the event of an emergency (=if there is an emergency)The fire-exit doors should only be opened in case of emergency.
Examples from the Corpus
emergency• Navy officials estimated that having one 911 emergency center for the San Diego bases will save $ 4. 4 million.• A new 5-link rear suspension system stabilises the car, helping you to stay in control even in an emergency.• In an emergency, dial 911 for police, the fire department or an ambulance.• A fire started in the cargo area, and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing.• Don't call me unless it's an emergency.• There was always a sort of universal coming together when an emergency was averted, when a human life was saved.• Staff are trained to deal with any emergency.• During emergencies, the Muyira sector is used to coordinate supplies.• The victim was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.• Approaching a third of his 450 front-line emergency ambulances are now diesel.• Officials declared a state of emergency in King County, which includes Seattle, as well as western Washington.• The law allows the president to appoint a three-member presidential emergency board to examine the contract dispute and produce non-binding recommendations.• Even more disturbing was the method the store manager had developed to cope with the emergency.• The emergency services in this area simply couldn't cope if there were a major accident or terrorist attack.deal with emergencies• What you could pay for Most brigades outside London would charge for dealing with emergencies such as a flooded cellar.• Andrew Culf Three ambulance crews from Fulham dealt with emergencies yesterday after the 999 calls were put through to them.• The margin of safety in dealing with emergencies may then be narrowed or broadened.• Coun Hughes urged Mr Threlfall to consider a rapid response unit to deal with emergencies.From Longman Business Dictionaryemergencye‧mer‧gen‧cy /ɪˈmɜːdʒənsi-ɜːr-/ noun (plural emergencies) [countable]1an unexpected and dangerous situation that must be dealt with immediatelyRing this number in case of an emergency.2emergency repairs/meeting/reserves etc work, a meeting, money etc needed to deal with an urgent and unexpected problemWorkmen are carrying out emergency repairs to the bridge.emergency reserves held at the Bank of EnglandOrigin emergency (1600-1700) From the idea of something suddenly “emerging” or happening 