Crisis Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crisis
[ˈkraɪsɪs ]
Definitions
economic
A crisis is a time of intense difficulty or danger, when a situation reaches a critical point. It can refer to a sudden downturn in the economy, a natural disaster, or a political upheaval.
Synonyms
calamity, disaster, emergency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crisis |
A critical or decisive moment or situation that often brings a turning point and requires immediate attention. It can refer to political, economic, personal, or medical situations.
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| disaster |
A sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life. It can range from natural events to man-made incidents.
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| emergency |
A serious, unexpected situation requiring immediate action. Often referring to health, safety, or security issues.
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| calamity |
A disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering. Typically used for large-scale and often natural tragedies.
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Examples of usage
- The financial crisis of 2008 had a profound impact on global markets.
- The country is facing an environmental crisis due to pollution.
personal
A crisis can also refer to a period of emotional turmoil or difficulty in a person's life. It is often characterized by feelings of overwhelming stress or anxiety.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crisis |
A serious or urgent situation that requires immediate attention, often relating to events that can cause significant harm or disruption.
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| breakdown |
A failure in a system, operation, or situation, causing a collapse or malfunction. Can also refer to a person experiencing severe stress or mental collapse.
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| meltdown |
A situation where things rapidly get worse, often used to describe emotional outbursts or the failing of a system in a dramatic way. Often has a somewhat informal tone.
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| turmoil |
A state of great confusion, disturbance, or uncertainty, often used to describe social, political, or emotional chaos.
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Examples of usage
- She sought help from a therapist during her mental health crisis.
- He experienced a midlife crisis and decided to make significant life changes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union, highlighting the dangers of Cold War tensions.
- The Great Depression of the 1930s is considered a global economic crisis that severely affected economies and societies worldwide.
- In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a global health crisis, leading to unprecedented changes in daily life and health care systems.
Psychology
- Crisis situations can trigger fight-or-flight responses, impacting how individuals cope with stress and pressure.
- Crisis intervention techniques are used by professionals to help individuals regain stability and perspective during traumatic times.
- The 'crisis theory' in psychology emphasizes the need for immediate support and intervention to help people deal with overwhelming situations.
Literature
- Many classic novels depict a protagonist facing a crisis, forcing character growth, as seen in works like 'The Catcher in the Rye'.
- Shakespeare frequently incorporated personal and societal crises in his plays, which added depth and drama to his characters' journeys.
- In modern literature, themes of crisis often reflect societal issues, as seen in dystopian novels where characters navigate survival in extreme conditions.
Pop Culture
- Film and TV frequently feature 'crisis' plots, showcasing characters handling life-altering moments, like in the series 'Breaking Bad'.
- Songs often highlight personal crises, capturing emotions and struggles, such as in the classic 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' by Green Day.
- Video games frequently present crisis scenarios where players must solve problems rapidly to save their virtual worlds.
Origin of 'crisis'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'crisis' comes from the Greek word 'krisis', meaning 'decision' or 'judgment'.
- It was first used in English in the late 17th century, originally referring to a decisive moment in a disease.
- In Latin, it transformed to 'crisis', indicating a turning point in a process or situation.
The word 'crisis' originated from the Greek word 'krisis', meaning 'decision' or 'turning point'. In Ancient Greek, it was used in a medical context to refer to the turning point of a disease, when the patient would either recover or die. Over time, the meaning of 'crisis' expanded to include any decisive moment of great difficulty or danger.