cri·sis 
/ˈkraɪsəs/ noun
plural cri·sises /-ˌsi:z/ /ˈkraɪsəs/ noun : a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention [count] ▪ the AIDS crisis ▪ She was dealing with a family crisis at the time. ▪ Most people blame the government for the country's worsening economic/financial/fiscal crisis. ▪ last year's state budget crisis ▪ an energy/fuel/water crisis [=a time when there is not enough energy/fuel/water] ▪ a hostage crisis [=a situation in which someone is holding people as hostages] [noncount] ▪ In times of national crisis, we need strong leaders we can trust. ▪ A year ago, both companies were in crisis. — see also identity crisis, midlife crisis
