Exigent: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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

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• 27726 introverted
• 27727 voodoo
• 27728 inopportune
• 27729 exigent
• 27730 redressing
• 27731 trudging
• 27732 draconian
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