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emergency (n.)

"unforeseen occurrence requiring immediate attention," 1630s, from Latin emergens, present participle of emergere "to rise out or up" (see emerge). Or from emerge + -ency. As an adjective by 1881.

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Definitions of emergency from WordNet

emergency (n.)
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action;
he never knew what to do in an emergency
Synonyms: exigency / pinch
emergency (n.)
a state in which martial law applies;
the governor declared a state of emergency
emergency (n.)
a brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage;
Synonyms: hand brake / emergency brake / parking brake
From wordnet.princeton.edu