state of emergency

[steyt uhv i-mur-juhn-see]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a situation of urgent need for help and relief, brought about by a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other crisis, especially as declared by a governor, president, mayor, or other official.
As devastation from last night’s tornadoes continues to be assessed, the governor has declared a state of emergency in the three worst-hit counties.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of state of emergency¹

First recorded in 1955–60

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This was updated to warn against "all but essential travel" to the country after a state of emergency was declared on 13 June.

From

Israel has declared a state of emergency and said the country expects retaliation.

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With counter-attacks expected "in the immediate future", a state of emergency was declared in Israel.

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While declaring a state of emergency throughout the entire country, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that retaliatory strikes were expected.

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In February, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation of a state of emergency for the Dec. 23 storm, making Santa Cruz eligible for state funding of up to 75% of repair costs under the California Disaster Assistance Act.

From

Staten Island state of matter

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