Definition of Incident
An incident is an event or occurrence, typically one that is significant or noteworthy. It can refer to a minor event or a more serious situation, often involving conflict, disruption, or unexpected developments.
Synonyms of Incident
Strongest Matches (Exact or Nearly Exact Synonyms)
- Event
- Occurrence
- Happening
- Episode
- Affair
- Circumstance
- Situation
Strong Matches (Closely Related but Slightly Different in Meaning)
- Accident
- Confrontation
- Case
- Development
- Experience
- Phenomenon
- Matter
- Catastrophe (for serious incidents)
Weak Matches (Contextually Related but Less Precise)
- Disruption
- Mishap
- Adventure
- Crisis
- Escapade
- Interaction
- Scene
Example Sentences
- Neutral Usage: “The police are investigating the incident that occurred last night.”
- Business Context: “A security incident disrupted the company’s operations for several hours.”
- Legal Context: “The court reviewed all details related to the incident before delivering a verdict.”
- Casual Usage: “We had a minor incident at the party, but everything turned out fine.”
- Serious Context: “The international community condemned the violent incident that led to casualties.”
Contextual Usage of Incident
1. Law Enforcement & Crime:
- Often used to describe criminal events, police reports, or disturbances.
- Example: “The police responded promptly to the reported incident downtown.”
2. Workplace & Business:
- Used to reference security issues, compliance breaches, or workplace accidents.
- Example: “The company recorded a cybersecurity incident affecting customer data.”
3. Healthcare & Emergency Situations:
- Refers to medical emergencies, accidents, or unexpected health-related occurrences.
- Example: “The hospital handled the incident with the utmost professionalism.”
4. Media & Journalism:
- Frequently used in news reporting to describe notable occurrences.
- Example: “The media extensively covered the shocking incident at the protest.”
Related Words
- Adjective Form: Incidental (meaning occurring as a minor consequence)
- Verb Form (Rarely Used): Incidentally (as an adverb meaning ‘by the way’ or ‘as a minor point’)
- Phrasal Usage:
- “Isolated incident” (a one-time occurrence)
- “Major incident” (a significant event, often requiring emergency response)
- “Security incident” (a breach or unauthorized access, especially in IT and cybersecurity)
Additional Relevant Information
- The word incident is often confused with accident, but while an accident typically implies an unintended or harmful occurrence, an incident is neutral and can refer to both positive and negative events.
- In legal and business contexts, incident reports are common documents used to record details of unexpected events.
- The term is widely used in crisis management and public relations to refer to situations requiring immediate attention.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for general informational purposes only. The meaning and usage of the word “incident” can vary based on context, industry, and region. For legal or specialized usage, consult a professional or relevant authority.
