Incident

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɪn.sɪ.dÉ™nt/

Origin

Recorded since 1412, from Middle French incident, from Latin incidens, the present active participle of incidō ("to happen, befall"), itself from in- ("on") + -cidō, the combining form of cadō ("to fall").

Full definition of incident

Noun

1. An event or occurrence.
2. A relatively minor event that is incidental to, or related to others
3. An event that may cause or causes an interruption or a crisis
4. In safety, an incident of workplace illness or injury

Derived terms

• incidental
• aviation incident
• coincident
• incident room

Related terms

• accident
• incidence
• occident

Adjective

1. Arising as the result of an event, inherent
2. (physics) (of a stream of particles or radiation) falling on or striking a surface (e.g. "The incident light illuminated the surface.")
3. Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous.
• HookerAs the ordinary course of common affairs is disposed of by general laws, so likewise men's rarer incident necessities and utilities should be with special equity considered.
4. Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining.
• Miltonall chances incident to man's frail life
• Milwardthe studies incident to his profession
5. (legal) Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal.