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accident
/ˈæk.sɪ.dənt/
unplanned harmful event
He was injured in a car accident yesterday.
The example describes an unexpected event causing harm.
general
An unexpected and undesirable event, especially one causing injury, damage, or loss.
The factory had a minor accident last week, but no one was hurt.
A workplace incident with no serious consequences.
She found the letter by accident while cleaning the attic.
An unintended discovery.
Can refer to physical harm (car accident) or unintended actions (by accident).
general
An event that happens by chance or without intention.
I met my old friend by accident at the airport.
A chance encounter.
Often used with 'by accident' to indicate unintentional occurrence.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 'accident' vs. 'incident'
'Accident' implies harm or damage, while 'incident' can describe any event, harmful or not. E.g., 'a minor incident' vs. 'a serious accident'.
Gold Rule
Use 'accident' for unintended harm
Reserve 'accident' for events causing injury/damage. For neutral events, use 'incident' or 'event'.
Word Origin
From Latin *accidens* (stem *accident-*), present participle of *accidere* 'to happen', from *ad-* 'to' + *cadere* 'to fall'. Entered English via Old French *accident* in the 14th century.
Usage Notes
In legal or technical contexts, 'accident' often implies negligence (e.g., workplace accident). Avoid using it to describe planned events or intentional harm.
Word Breakdown
ac-
to/toward
prefix-cid-
fall
root-ent
agent noun suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary