crisis

cri-sis · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.

  2. 2.

    A turning point in a disease when an important change takes place.

  3. 3.

    A crucial or decisive point or situation.

Forms

plural: crises

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    crisis management — handling of emergencies
  • •
    midlife crisis — a period of anxiety in middle age
  • •
    identity crisis — uncertainty about one's identity or role
  • •
    crisis of confidence — a sudden loss of trust

Related words

Antonyms: calm, stability
See also: catastrophe, disaster, emergency
Synonyms: catastrophe, disaster, emergency, turning point

Etymology

From Latin crisis, from Greek krisis meaning "decision, turning point," from krinein meaning "to decide, judge."