incident

/'insidənt/
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incident

The police investigated an incident at the bus station.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A single distinct event, often one that is unusual or unpleasant: An "incident" refers to a specific occurrence or happening, frequently one that is noteworthy, problematic, or disruptive.
    • A public disturbance or conflict: In this sense, "incident" describes a minor clash, altercation, or disruptive event, often requiring investigation.
  2. Adjective:

    • Likely to happen as a consequence of; naturally appertaining to: When used as an adjective, "incident" describes something that is subordinate, minor, or occurring as a chance accompaniment to something else.
    • (Physics) Falling upon or striking a surface: Used in scientific contexts to describe rays of light or particles that strike a surface.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • There was a minor incident at the border yesterday.
    • She described the funny incident that happened on her way to work.
    • The police are investigating the incident.
  • Adjective:

    • The risks incident to the profession are well known.
    • They discussed the problems incident to rapid expansion.
    • Measure the angle of the incident light beam.
Advanced Usage
  • "Without incident": Happening smoothly, without any problems or disruptions.
    • The ceremony proceeded without incident.
  • "Be incident to/upon": To be naturally connected or related to something as a minor part.
    • Such expenses are incident to running a large household.
Variants and Related Words
  • Incidental (adj): Occurring as a minor or casual accompaniment; not essential.
    • We must budget for incidental costs.
  • Incidence (n): The occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or other undesirable event.
    • There is a high incidence of the flu this winter.
Synonyms
  • Event: Something that happens, especially something important.
  • Occurrence: An incident or event.
  • Episode: An event or a group of events occurring as part of a sequence.
  • Altercation: A noisy argument or disagreement.
Related Phrases
  • Diplomatic incident: A disagreement or conflict between nations, often involving a breach of protocol.
    • The ambassador's remarks sparked a minor diplomatic incident.
  • Shooting incident: An event involving the discharge of a firearm.
    • The neighborhood was shaken by a shooting incident last night.
Idioms
  • Make an incident of something: To treat a minor event as if it were a serious problem or cause for complaint.
    • It was just a misunderstanding; let's not make an incident of it.
incident

The police investigated an incident at the bus station.

Adjective
  1. (sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
    • incidental expenses
    • the road will bring other incidental advantages
    • extra duties incidental to the job
    • labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion
    • confusion incidental to a quick change
  2. falling or striking of light rays on something
    • incident light
Noun
  1. a public disturbance
    • the police investigated an incident at the bus station
  2. a single distinct event