Emergency

Part of speech: noun (n.)

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 emergencies that rose. Swift. A safe counselor in most difficult emergencies. Brougham.

Synonyms: Crisis; conjuncture; exigency; pinch; strait; necessity.