define crisis
crisis (plural crises) 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  A sudden change in the course of a disease, usually at which the patient is expected to recover or die. (psychology) A traumatic or stressful change in a person's life. (drama) A point in a drama at which a conflict reaches a peak before being resolved. crisis management.