Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Emergency
1.
Sudden or unexpected appearance; an unforeseen occurrence; a sudden occasion.
Most our rarities have been found out by casual
emergency
. Glanvill.
2.
An unforeseen occurrence or combination of circumstances which calls for immediate action or remedy; pressing necessity; exigency.
To whom she might her doubts propose,
On all
On all
emergencies
that rose. Swift.
Syn. – Crisis; conjuncture; exigency; pinch; strait; necessity.