Crisis

Definition

Crisis is a noun that refers to a time of intense difficulty, danger, or instability, often requiring immediate action. It can describe critical situations in personal, social, political, or economic contexts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkraɪsɪs/
• Respelling: KRY-sis

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkraɪsɪs/
• Respelling: KRY-sis

Etymology

The word "crisis" originates from the Greek "krisis," meaning "decision" or "turning point." Derived from "krinein," meaning "to decide or judge," it entered English in the early 15th century, initially referring to the decisive point in a disease's progression.

Derivatives

• Crises (plural noun)
• Crisis management (noun)
• Crisis mode (noun)
• Critical (adjective)
• Crisis-driven (adjective)

Synonyms

• Emergency
• Disaster
• Turning point

Antonyms

• Stability
• Calm
• Resolution

Usage

The noun "crisis" is often used to describe severe situations requiring swift action, such as "The economic crisis affected millions." It is applied across fields, including health, economics, and personal situations, to indicate critical points or turning points that demand attention.

Related Terms

• Emergency: A sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action.
• Catastrophe: A sudden and widespread disaster.
• Breakdown: A collapse or failure in function or system.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A time of intense difficulty, danger, or instability: Refers to situations that are highly challenging and require immediate attention or decision-making.
  • Example: "The nation faced a political crisis following the resignation."
• A turning point or decisive moment: Denotes a critical juncture where the outcome of events may change dramatically.
  • Example: "The treatment reached a crisis, after which the patient began to recover."
• A period of severe personal distress: Describes a challenging time for an individual, often impacting their mental or emotional state.
  • Example: "After the accident, she went through a personal crisis."