incident
UK: ˈɪnsɪd(ə)nt | US: ˈɪnsɪd(ə)nt
n. an event or occurrence, often minor or unexpected
n. a conflict or hostile encounter (e.g., "border incident")
adj. relating to or dependent on something else (archaic, e.g., "incident light")
incident = in<upon> + cid<fall> + ent<noun/adjective suffix>
- in (Latin: "upon, into") → denotes direction or position
- cid (Latin: "cadere," meaning "to fall") → implies something happening or befalling
- ent (Latin suffix forming nouns/adjectives) → indicates state or quality
Etymology Origin:
The word "incident" originates from Latin incidere ("to fall upon, happen"), combining in- ("upon") and cadere ("to fall"). This reflects the idea of an event "falling into" a situation, whether planned or accidental. Over time, it evolved in Middle English to describe both minor occurrences and specific conflicts, retaining its core sense of something that "befalls."
The car crash was a minor incident with no injuries.
The diplomatic incident strained relations between the two countries.
She recounted an amusing incident from her trip.
The police documented every incident reported that night.
Light incident on the surface created a beautiful reflection.