State of Emergency: Definition and Examples

Meaning 1：emergency declaration (State of Emergency)

State of Emergency 🔊

/steɪt əv ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/

A special situation declared by the government during a serious crisis, allowing them to use extra powers to protect people and restore order quickly.

emergency declaration 🔊

➕

/ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi ˌdɛkləˈreɪʃən/

A formal proclamation by a government authorizing exceptional measures to manage a critical situation that threatens public safety or order.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

'State' from Latin 'status', 'Emergency' from Latin 'emergere' (to arise). Combined: official condition arising from crisis.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a red 'EMERGENCY' button that triggers a special government 'STATE' to handle chaos.

📖 Example

During the pandemic, the government declared a state of emergency to organize medical resources and keep everyone safe. 🔊 During the pandemic, the government declared a state of emergency to organize medical resources and keep everyone safe.

🔗 Collocations

declare a state of emergency – to officially announce a state of emergency

lift a state of emergency – to end a state of emergency, restoring normal governance

a national state of emergency – a state of emergency applying to the entire country

🔄 Synonyms

martial law (n.) – military control over civilian functions during an emergency

emergency powers (n. pl.) – special authorities granted to the government during a crisis

crisis situation (n.) – a critical state requiring immediate action

🚫 Antonyms

normalcy (n.) – the condition of being normal, without emergency restrictions

peace (n.) – a state without conflict or crisis

stability (n.) – a steady and secure condition, opposite of emergency

🌱 Derivatives

emergency (n.) – a serious, unexpected situation requiring immediate action

emergency management (n.) – the organization and coordination of resources to handle emergencies

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from French 'état de siège' (state of siege). Adopted into English in 19th century for government powers during wars or disasters.