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incident

noun
in·​ci·​dent | \ ˈin(t)-sə-dənt How to pronounce incident (audio) , -ˌdent\

Definition of incident

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
2a : 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

incident

adjective

Definition of incident (Entry 2 of 2)

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
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about incident

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Choose the Right Synonym for incident

Noun

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

Noun

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.

Examples of incident in a Sentence

Noun

 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.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 The San Francisco Examiner first reported details of the incident. — Alejandro Serrano, SFChronicle.com, "SF sergeant accused of pulling fire alarm at Pacifica station could face misdemeanor charge," 23 Aug. 2019 Investigators said video of the incident showed as many as seven other women who were with Thomas at the time of the stabbings and took part in the assault, according to Fox 29. — Fox News, "Pennsylvania woman, 19, wanted in stabbings of 2 sisters; 1 killed," 23 Aug. 2019 In the aftermath of the incident, Anaiah spent two months in rehab at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. — Tanya A. Christian, Essence, "Georgia Teen Who Saved Sister Starts College On Full Scholarship," 23 Aug. 2019 The state Department of Children & Families was notified of the incident a week ago. — Stephen Hudak, orlandosentinel.com, "‘Very heavy set’ caregiver stands on Mount Dora disabled woman’s head in abuse case, cops say," 22 Aug. 2019 No video of the incident is known to have surfaced. — Stephanie Apstein, SI.com, "MLB’s Inconsistent Domestic Violence Policy Lets Teams Benefit From Suspensions," 22 Aug. 2019 Clark did not have his body camera recording at the time of the incident. — Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County Jail officer who pepper-sprayed restrained inmate arrested on extortion, intimidation charges," 22 Aug. 2019 There is ample evidence that the police were well aware of the incident. — The Economist, "Protesters are fighting for an open society," 20 Aug. 2019 Several cell phone videos of the incident, however, showed five officers unleashing a barrage of gunfire on Woods as he was surrounded by a sea of police. — Eliott C. Mclaughlin, CNN, "Colin Kaepernick reveals what led him to risk his career kneeling for social justice," 20 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 An Oregon Department of Transportation incident response worker was hit by a car while answering a call on the roadway around 7:30 p.m., according to Don Hamilton, an agency spokesman. — Everton Bailey Jr., OregonLive.com, "Icy roads contributing to traffic hazards in Portland area," 20 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'incident.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of incident

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for incident

Noun

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

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More Definitions for incident

incident

noun
How to pronounce incident (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of incident

: an unexpected and usually unpleasant thing that happens
: an event or disagreement that is likely to cause serious problems in relations between countries

See the full definition for incident in the English Language Learners Dictionary

incident

noun
in·​ci·​dent | \ ˈin-sə-dənt How to pronounce incident (audio) \

Kids Definition of incident

: an often unimportant happening that may form a part of a larger event

incident

adjective
in·​ci·​dent | \ ˈin(t)-səd-ənt, -sə-ˌdent How to pronounce incident (audio) \

Medical Definition of incident

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