crisis

Definition

  • noun: a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention
  • noun: the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever

Examples

  • Most people blame the government for the country's worsening economic/financial/fiscal 'crisis'.

  • an energy/fuel/water 'crisis' [=a time when there is not enough energy/fuel/water]

  • a 'hostage crisis' [=a situation in which someone is holding people as hostages]

Movie quotes

  • (..) So, what'll it be, Jack? Actually, I'm not drinking these days. Well, that's your problem in a nutshell. Are we still a family? Of course we're a family. Your mother's in crisis, your father's a wreck. What does that make you? I'm in charge. ...through the woods, looking for fuzzwalker. (..)
    2009 The Lovely Bones