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crisis definition

cri·sis (krī′sis)

noun pl. crises -·ses′ (-sēz′)

    1. the turning point of a disease for better or worse, esp. a sudden recovery
    2. an intensely painful attack of a disease; paroxysm
  2. a turning point in the course of anything; decisive or crucial time, stage, or event
  3. a time of great danger or trouble, often one which threatens to result in unpleasant consequences an economic crisis

Etymology: L < Gr krisis < krinein, to separate, discern < IE *(s)krei-, to sift, separate < base *(s)ker-, to cut > shear, L cernere, to separate, Ger rein, pure

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical crisis definition - medical

crisis Synonyms

crisis

n.

straits, exigency, emergency, turning point, urgency, necessity, dilemma, puzzle, perplexity, pressure, embarrassment, pinch, juncture, pass, change, contingency, plight, imbroglio, impasse, deadlock, entanglement, predicament, corner, decisive turn, decisive moment, critical juncture, critical situation, trauma, quandary, extremity, disaster, trial, crux, climacteric, moment of truth, hour of decision, crossroads, climax, clutch*, pickle*, stew*, fix*, mess*, big trouble*, kettle of fish*, hot water*, crunch*. *

Antonyms normality, stability*, regularity*. See syn. study at emergency.emergency.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

crisis Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • capitalism: From this results a profound, protracted, chronic crisis of capitalism.

Converse of object

  • avert: Has not met since 1614 and is called now to try and avert impending crisis.

Adjective modifier

  • humanitarian: The humanitarian crisis of the tsunami is not yet over.

Noun used with modifier

  • midlife: Her beliefs are challenged, she re-evaluates her life, almost it seems, like a midlife crisis happening at the age of thirty.
crisis usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

crisis quotes

   When a woman ceases to alter the fashion of her hair, you guess that she has passed the crisis of her experience.

-Austin, Mary Hunter

Dans ces grandes crises, le coeur se brise ou se bronze. In times of crisis, the heart either breaks or boldens.

-Balzac, Honore¤   de

Crisis? What crisis?

-Baron

crisis quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"crisis." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/crisis>

APA Style

crisis. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/crisis

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