incident
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1in·ci·dent
noun \ˈin(t)-sə-dənt, -ˌdent\Definition of INCIDENT
1
: something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
2
a : an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : happening b : an accompanying minor occurrence or condition : concomitant
3
: an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters <a serious border incident>
See Examples of INCIDENT
- We just want to put that embarrassing incident behind us.
- Two people were shot yesterday in two separate incidents.
- Aside from a few isolated incidents, the crowd was well-behaved.
- Many such incidents go unreported.
- The bombing caused an international incident.
Origin of INCIDENT
Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin incident-, incidens, from Latin, present participle of incidere to fall into, from in- + cadere to fall — more at chance
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to INCIDENT
- Synonyms
- affair, circumstance, episode, hap, happening, event, occasion, occurrence, thing
See Synonym Discussion at occurrence
Rhymes with INCIDENT
accident, aliment, Blaenau Gwent, circumvent, compartment, complement, compliment, confident, devilment, diffident, discontent, document, evident, heaven-sent, implement, instrument, Jack-a-Lent, malcontent, nonevent, Occident, ornament, orient, provident, regiment, reinvent, represent, re-present, resident, Saint-Laurent, sediment, self-content, subsequent, supplement
2incident
adjectiveDefinition of INCIDENT
1
: occurring or likely to occur especially as a minor consequence or accompaniment <the confusion incident to moving day>
2
: dependent on or relating to another thing in law
3
: falling or striking on something <incident light rays>
First Known Use of INCIDENT
15th century
in·ci·dent
adjective \ˈin(t)-səd-ənt, -sə-ˌdent\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of INCIDENT
: falling or striking on something <incident light rays> <incident radiation>
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