crisis

[ krahy-sis ]
/ ˈkraɪ sɪs /

noun, plural cri·ses [krahy-seez] /ˈkraɪ siz/.

a stage in a sequence of events at which the trend of all future events, especially for better or for worse, is determined; turning point.
a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change.
a dramatic emotional or circumstantial upheaval in a person's life.
Medicine/Medical.
  1. the point in the course of a serious disease at which a decisive change occurs, leading either to recovery or to death.
  2. the change itself.
the point in a play or story at which hostile elements are most tensely opposed to each other.

adjective

of, referring to, or for use in dealing with a crisis.

Origin of crisis

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin crisis “(medical) crisis,” from Greek krísis “decision, interpretation,” equivalent to kri- variant stem of krīnein “to decide, separate, judge” + -sis -sis

synonym study for crisis

1. See emergency.

OTHER WORDS FROM crisis

cri·sic, adjective post·cri·sis, adjective, noun, plural post·cri·ses.

Example sentences from the Web for crisis

British Dictionary definitions for crisis

crisis
/ (ˈkraɪsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something, esp in a sequence of events or a disease
an unstable period, esp one of extreme trouble or danger in politics, economics, etc
pathol a sudden change, for better or worse, in the course of a disease

Word Origin for crisis

C15: from Latin: decision, from Greek krisis, from krinein to decide

Medical definitions for crisis

crisis
[ krīsĭs ]

n. pl. cri•ses (-sēz)

A sudden change in the course of a disease or fever, toward either improvement or deterioration.
An emotionally stressful event or a traumatic change in one's life.