n, pl  cri*ses   1  :  the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever : esp  :  a sudden turn for the better (as sudden abatement in severity of symptoms or abrupt drop in temperature) - compare LYSIS1    2  :  a paroxysmal attack of pain, distress, or disordered function <tabetic >  <cardiac >   3  :  an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person's life  4  :  a psychological or social condition characterized by unusual instability caused by excessive stress and either endangering or felt to endanger the continuity of an individual or group : esp  :  such a social condition requiring the transformation of cultural patterns and values .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  cours·es 
 
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