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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
    
4. [N. Amer] Emergency department in a hospital or clinic, staffed and equipped to provide emergency care to people requiring immediate medical treatment
   - emergency room [N. Amer], ER [N. Amer], A&E [Brit], accident and emergency [Brit], casualty [Brit]

Derived forms: emergencies

Type of: brake, crisis, hospital room, temporary state

Part of: automotive vehicle, motor vehicle

Encyclopedia: Emergency