incident

/ˈin(t)-sə-dənt/

Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin incident-, incidens, from Latin, present participle of incidere to fall into, from in- + cadere to fall

noun

  1. an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : happening

  2. an accompanying minor occurrence or condition : concomitant

  3. an action likely to lead to grave consequences especially in diplomatic matters

occurrence event incident episode circumstance mean something that happens or takes place. occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan. event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause.

adjective

  1. occurring or likely to occur especially as a minor consequence or accompaniment

  2. dependent on or relating to another thing in law

  3. falling or striking on something

the confusion incident to moving day

idiom

  1. without any unexpected trouble

The suspects were arrested without incident.