incident
incident Lexical Profile
incident Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An individual occurrence or event, especially one that is unusual, notable, or minor within a broader sequence.
"She recorded every notable incident from her year abroad in a leather-bound journal."
A distinct clash, disturbance, dispute, or mishap that causes trouble or disruption.
"Fortunately, the crowded festival concluded peacefully and without incident."
• adjective
Liable to happen because of; resulting from or naturally accompanying a particular activity or condition.
"The orientation session covered the typical hazards incident to working in a chemical laboratory."
Falling upon or striking a surface (especially of light, sound, or radiation).
"The prism refracted the incident light into a vivid spectrum of colors on the wall."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'incident' (a single event or occurrence) with 'incidence' (the rate, frequency, or range of occurrence of something, such as a disease).
• Rhymes for incident
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'incident', from Latin 'incidentem', the present participle of 'incidere' ('to fall upon, happen to'), formed from 'in-' ('into, upon') and 'cadere' ('to fall').