adjective
exigent
EK-sih-junt/ˈɛksɪdʒʌnt/
Requiring immediate attention or action.
The hospital keeps extra supplies on hand for exigent situations.
Etymology
The pieces combine in Latin exigere, literally “drive out,” which also meant “demand” or “require.” That demand became urgency: something exigent requires action now, whether the adjective arose through exigency or directly from the Latin participle.
In context
when we got the exigent ping, it would lead us to her, but it didn't.
More examples
- Exigent circumstances require the judge to issue an immediate ruling.
- The manager sets aside other work to handle an exigent request.
- The team addresses exigent medical needs before treating minor injuries.
Forms
exigent
exigency noun — A situation requiring immediate action or attention.