First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1incident
noun in·ci·dent \ˈin(t)-sə-dənt, -ˌdent\
: an unexpected and usually unpleasant thing that happens
: an event or disagreement that is likely to cause serious problems in relations between countries
Full 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 incident defined for English-language learners
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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
Related to INCIDENT
- Synonyms
- affair, circumstance, episode, hap, happening, event, occasion, occurrence, thing
Synonym Discussion of INCIDENT
occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place. occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan <an encounter that was a chance occurrence>. event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause <the events following the assassination>. incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance <a minor wartime incident>. episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident <a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work>. circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background <couldn't recall the exact circumstances>.
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
adjective
Definition 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
INCIDENT Defined for Kids
incident
noun in·ci·dent \ˈin-sə-dənt\
Definition of INCIDENT for Kids
: an often unimportant happening that may form a part of a larger event
Synonym Discussion of INCIDENT
incident, occurrence, and event mean something that happens. incident is used for something that is brief and unimportant. <Except for one incident, the trip was fun.> occurrence may be used for something that is not planned or expected. <Such occurrences can't be predicted.> event is often used of something that is important. <They discussed the big events of last year.>
Medical Dictionary
incident
adjective in·ci·dent \ˈin(t)-səd-ənt, -sə-ˌdent\
Medical Definition of INCIDENT
: falling or striking on something <incident light rays> <incident radiation>
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