Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To become subject to or experience something, typically something unpleasant or undesirable, as a result of one's own actions or behavior.
   • To bring something upon oneself; to make oneself liable or responsible for a consequence.

Usage

The verb "incur" is used when someone's actions directly cause them to experience a negative consequence, cost, or obligation. It is a formal word commonly used in legal, financial, and official contexts. It is followed by the negative consequence (e.g., a debt, a penalty, a cost).

Examples

• Financial/Formal Context:
  • The company will incur significant expenses if the project is delayed.
  • By breaking the contract, you may incur a hefty penalty.
• General Consequence:
  • His reckless comments incurred the wrath of his superiors.
  • She did not want to incur any further obligations.

Advanced Usage

• "to incur the risk of (something)": To make oneself vulnerable to a specific danger or negative outcome.
  • Driving without a seatbelt incurs the risk of serious injury.
• "to incur a liability": A legal and financial term meaning to become legally responsible for a debt or obligation.
  • The trustee can incur personal liability for breaches of duty.

Variants and Related Words

• Incurred (verb, past tense/past participle): The form used for actions that have already happened.
  • The costs incurred during the trip were reimbursed.
• Incurrence (noun): The act or fact of incurring something.
  • The incurrence of debt must be approved by the board.

Synonyms

• Sustain: To undergo or suffer (something unpleasant).
• Attract: To bring (something unwelcome) upon oneself through one's own behavior or properties.
• Provoke: To stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one).

Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Incur" is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. The meaning is contained within the single verb.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "incur." Its usage is typically direct and formal.)

Verb

1. receive a specified treatment (abstract)
   • These aspects of civilization do not find expression or receive an interpretation
   • His movie received a good review
   • I got nothing but trouble for my good intentions
2. make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
   • People who smoke incur a great danger to their health