crisis

Etymology

From Latin crisis, from Ancient Greek κρίσις (krísis, “a separating, power of distinguishing, decision, choice, election, judgment, dispute”), from κρίνω (krínō, “pick out, choose, decide, judge”).

noun

1. A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point.
2. An unstable situation, in political, social, economic or military affairs, especially one involving an impending abrupt change.
3. (medicine) A sudden change in the course of a disease, usually at which point the patient is expected to either recover or die.
4. (psychology) A traumatic or stressful change in a person's life.
   I'm having a major crisis trying to wallpaper the living room.
5. (drama) A point in a drama at which a conflict reaches a peak before being resolved.