Crisis

cri;sis pronunciation: function: noun inflected form(s): plural cri;ses etymology: middle english, from latin, from greek krisis, literally, decision, from krinein to decide — more at certaindate: 15th century 1 a : the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever b : a paroxysmal attack of pain, distress, or disordered function c : an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life lt;a midlife crisisgt;2 : the decisive moment (as in a literary plot)3 a : an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending; especially : one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome lt;a financial crisisgt; b : a situation that has reached a critical phase lt;the environmental crisisgt;synonyms see juncture