emergency state

[ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi steɪt]
nounpl: emergency states
estado de emergência
1. A temporary condition declared by a government in response to a crisis or disaster, suspending normal laws and procedures
The government declared an emergency state after the hurricane devastated the region.
O governo declarou estado de emergência após o furacão devastar a região.
2. A legal status that grants authorities expanded powers to manage public safety during crises
During the emergency state, the military was deployed to maintain order.
Durante o estado de emergência, a polícia militar foi implantada para manter a ordem.
3. A condition of heightened alert and mobilization in response to natural disasters, pandemics, or security threats
The emergency state allowed for faster distribution of humanitarian aid.
O estado de emergência permitiu distribuição mais rápida de ajuda humanitária.
In Brazil, emergency states are governed by the Constitution and used for natural disasters (floods, droughts), epidemics, and security crises. The declaration grants the executive branch enhanced powers for resource allocation and can suspend certain civil liberties temporarily. During the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, this term became prominent in Brazilian news and legal discussions. In the USA, similar declarations are made at federal, state, and local levels and are critical tools for disaster response.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
state of emergencyemergency declarationstate of exceptioncrisis situation
Antonyms / Antônimos
normalcynormal statepeace timeregular order

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
estado de emergência
Most commonly used term in official government documents and media
Brazil - Alternative
estado de calamidade pública
Used for severe public disasters; more serious classification
Brazil - Official
situação de emergência
Alternative formal term used in legal documents
Portugal
estado de emergência
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; universally understood

Related Words

marshal lawdisaster reliefcrisis managementgovernment decreepublic safetynatural disaster

Related Idioms & Phrases

declare an emergency state
lift the emergency state
under emergency state
extend the emergency state
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