Incidents Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incidents

[ˈɪnsɪdənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in daily news

An incident is an event or occurrence, especially a minor one. It can refer to any happening or event that is of a particular nature, often unexpected or unusual.

Synonyms

episode, event, happening, occurrence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incidents	Used to describe specific events, particularly those that are unwanted, unexpected, or negative. There were several incidents of vandalism in the neighborhood. The police reported two incidents of break-ins last night.
event	Used for a significant occurrence or happening, often planned or scheduled, and can be either positive or negative. The wedding was the most beautiful event of the year. A major sporting event will take place this weekend.
occurrence	Used for any event or incident, typically something that happens frequently or is part of a pattern. The occurrence of thunderstorms is common in this region during the summer. Asthma attacks are a frequent occurrence for some people.
happening	Used for spontaneous or notable occurrences, often something out of the ordinary or exciting. There was a happening at the park that caught everyone's attention. The festival was a lively and memorable happening in the town.
episode	Used to describe a single event or a part of a series, often part of a narrative or sequence, and commonly used in storytelling, TV shows, or personal experiences. The third episode of the series was the most thrilling. She experienced a brief episode of dizziness during the hike.

Examples of usage

There have been several incidents of violence in the area recently.
She was involved in a minor traffic incident on her way to work.
The incident caused a stir in the community.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in workplace

In a workplace context, an incident is an unplanned event that has resulted in, or could have resulted in, injury, damage, or loss. It is often recorded and investigated for safety and prevention purposes.

Synonyms

accident, emergency, mishap, occurrence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
incidents	Events or occurrences, often used as a general term that can describe a wide range of experiences, not necessarily negative. There were several incidents of theft reported in the area. The book recounts various incidents from his travels.
accident	A negative event that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, often causing damage or injury. She broke her arm in a car accident. The factory had to shut down due to an accident.
mishap	A minor, unfortunate accident that usually does not cause serious harm. There was a small mishap with the fireworks, but no one was hurt. She laughed at the mishap of spilling coffee on her new shirt.
occurrence	Something that happens, especially as a particular event or phenomenon; can be neutral, positive, or negative. The occurrence of a rainbow after the storm was beautiful. The occurrence of natural disasters in this region is rare.
emergency	A serious, unexpected situation that requires immediate action for safety or health reasons. Call 911 if there's an emergency. The hospital is well-prepared for any medical emergencies.

Examples of usage

The company has strict procedures in place for reporting workplace incidents.
Following the incident, the safety protocols were reviewed and updated.
The incident led to changes in the company's safety policies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Many films and TV shows use a dramatic incident to create tension and drive the plot forward.
The term appears frequently in crime and thriller genres, highlighting unexpected disturbances or events.
Famous incidents, such as the Titanic sinking, have been depicted in countless documentaries and movies.

Psychology

Incidents can greatly affect mental health, as they may lead to stress or trauma if they are negative or shocking.
Behavioral changes can often be traced back to significant incidents in a person’s life, impacting their reactions and choices.
Understanding incidents in a therapeutic setting can help individuals process their experiences and emotions.

Safety and Security

In workplaces, 'incident reports' are key documents that help in analyzing accidents and preventing future occurrences.
Emergency response teams are trained to handle various incidents quickly and effectively to ensure safety.
Incidents are often categorized as minor or major based on their impact and the number of people affected.

History

Notable historical incidents, such as the Boston Tea Party, have shaped nations and societies significantly.
Many revolutions have stemmed from single incidents that ignited collective action among the people.
The study of historical incidents helps researchers understand social movements and cultural shifts over time.

Origin of 'incidents'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin term 'incidens', meaning 'happening' or 'falling upon'.
It was eventually adopted into Middle French as 'incident', maintaining similar meaning through languages.
In English, its use became more common during the 17th century, often in legal contexts.

The word 'incident' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'incidentia', meaning 'a falling on', derived from the verb 'incidere' - 'to happen'. Over the centuries, the meaning of 'incident' has evolved to encompass a wide range of events and occurrences, from minor incidents in daily life to significant events in history.

See also: incidence, incident, incidental, incidentally.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,088 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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