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Exigent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exigent

[ˈɛksɪdʒənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

urgent situation

Exigent describes a situation or condition that requires immediate attention or action. It often refers to demands that are pressing and cannot be postponed. This term is frequently used in legal and academic contexts to describe circumstances where immediate response is critical.

Synonyms

critical, demanding, pressing, urgent.

Examples of usage

  • The exigent circumstances required the police to enter the property without a warrant.
  • He faced an exigent deadline that left him no time to waste.
  • The exigent needs of the community were addressed promptly by the officials.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term often appears in thrillers, where characters face exigent circumstances that drive the plot.
  • In the TV show '24', the protagonist regularly faces exigent situations that demand quick decisions.
  • Exigent issues can also appear in courtroom dramas, where time-sensitive law enforcement actions arise.

Psychology

  • Feeling pressure from exigent situations can trigger the fight-or-flight response, affecting decisions and behaviors.
  • People often perform better under exigent conditions, showcasing the concept of 'stress performance' in psychology.
  • Exigent circumstances can lead to anxiety if individuals feel overwhelmed by the immediate demands placed upon them.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often face exigent circumstances leading to key plot developments, highlighting human urgency.
  • Many modern novels explore exigent themes, where the protagonist must respond to critical emergencies that test their character.
  • Exigent situations are often central to the tension in mystery novels, pushing the story toward a climax.

Emergency Management

  • Understanding exigent circumstances is crucial for first responders who must act quickly in crises.
  • In emergency preparedness training, recognizing exigent situations can save lives and streamline response efforts.
  • Preparedness plans often include protocols for addressing exigent scenarios, ensuring rapid and effective action.

Origin of 'exigent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exigere', meaning 'to demand or require.'
  • It has been used in English since the late 15th century, often referring to urgent circumstances.
  • In law, it specifies situations that require immediate legal action.

The word 'exigent' comes from the Latin term 'exigentem,' which is the present participle of 'exigere,' meaning 'to demand' or 'to require.' The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'from,' combined with 'agere,' meaning 'to drive' or 'to do.' This combination reflects the idea of pressing someone to act or respond. The term made its way into Middle English and maintained its original sense related to urgency and necessity. Over the centuries, 'exigent' has been used in legal texts and formal writing, indicating heightened demands that necessitate immediate action. Its specific application in law often relates to circumstances where authorities must act without delay to prevent harm or loss.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,729, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.