incident

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>

Examples of INCIDENT

1. We just want to put that embarrassing incident behind us.
2. Two people were shot yesterday in two separate incidents.
3. Aside from a few isolated incidents, the crowd was well-behaved.
4. Many such incidents go unreported.
5. 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

Related Words: coincidence, co-occurrence, fluke, freak; landmark, milepost, milestone, page, phenomenon, turning point; adventure, experience, time; happenchance, happenstance; accident, crisis, emergency, juncture; achievement, deed, exploit, feat; news, tidings

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

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