Crossword Dictionary
crisis
An unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty.
Synonyms: catastrophe, calamity, disaster, perplexity, predicament, problem
A crisis is a difficult or dangerous time in which a solution is needed — and quickly. For example, the crisis caused by a natural disaster might inspire you and your friends to make a donation.
The noun crisis comes from the Latinized form of the Greek word krisis, meaning "turning point in a disease." At such a moment, the person with the disease could get better or worse: it's a critical moment. Think of a celebrity whose recent antics generate headlines like "Rock Star in Crisis" — that person needs help that may or may not be sought. At the moment of crisis, things are unstable and maybe even dangerous.
emergency
noun
A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.
synonyms
crisis, urgent situation, exigency
examples:
‘The search for blood and donors would not be alien to anyone who has faced a medical emergency requiring blood transfusion.’
‘In addition, any deterioration in mental status or deterioration in physical condition is a medical emergency.’
‘Because research evidence for the management of such medical emergencies in primary care is scarce, there is a need for such initiatives to be evaluated.’
‘The most severe cases are medical emergencies and require the most skilled care of a physician in hospital to avoid death.’