Incident

/ˈɪnsɪdənt/ noun

Definition

An event or occurrence, especially one that is unusual, important, or causes problems.

Etymology

From Latin 'incidens' (happening), from 'incidere' (to fall into, happen). It once meant almost any event but narrowed to notable or troublesome ones.

Kelly Says

An incident is literally something that ‘falls into’ your day—an event that lands in your path. That’s why we talk about ‘a minor incident’ for small trouble and ‘an international incident’ when it lands on the world stage.

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