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.

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