crisis
Pluralcrises
- 1A time of serious trouble or danger, for a country, a group or one person.
Like a small fire that could spread fast if no one puts it out.
The town was in crisis after the big factory closed.
Leaders met quickly to stop the border crisis from getting worse.
UsageMore than one is crises (not
incorrect: crisises). We often say a place is in crisis.Note
- 2An important moment when something must be decided and things could go either way.
Like reaching a fork in the road where you must pick one way.
The war reached its crisis in one battle that decided who would win.
The strike reached a crisis when the workers had to stay out or go back.
UsageWe say things reach a crisis or come to a crisis.
Note
- 3A sudden turning point in an illness, often deciding whether the sick person will get better or die.
Like the highest point of a fever right before it finally breaks.
The doctor said the fever had reached its crisis overnight.
By morning the patient had passed the crisis and was breathing easier.
Note
Less common meaning
- 4The moment in a play or story when the trouble reaches its highest point before it is solved.
Like the most exciting part of a movie right before everything works out.
The play builds to a crisis when the two brothers finally fight.
Every good story has a crisis before the happy ending.
Note
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of crisis apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
It comes from Latin crisis, which came from a Greek word meaning a decision or judgment.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- English crisis comes from Latin crisis. en.wikipedia.org
- Latin crisis comes from Greek. en.wikipedia.org
- The Greek source word means decision or judgment. en.wiktionary.org