WordWeb Online

1. A sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
   "he never knew what to do in an emergency"
   - exigency, pinch, exigence
    
2. A state in which martial law applies
   "the governor declared a state of emergency"
    
3. A brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage
   - hand brake, emergency brake, parking brake

Derived forms: emergencies

See also: emergent

Type of: brake, crisis, temporary state

Part of: automotive vehicle, motor vehicle

Encyclopedia: Emergency