crises

noun

1. 1

   A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point.

2. 2

   An unstable situation, in political, social, economic or military affairs, especially one involving an impending abrupt change.

3. 3

   A sudden change in the course of a disease, usually at which point the patient is expected to either recover or die.

4. 4

   A traumatic or stressful change in a person's life.

5. 5

   A point in a drama at which a conflict reaches a peak before being resolved.