accident

[ak-si-duhnt]

noun

1. an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap.

   automobile accidents.

   Synonyms: disaster, contingency, misadventure, misfortune, mischance

2. Law.,  such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

3. any event that happens unexpectedly, without a deliberate plan or cause.

4. chance; fortune; luck.

   I was there by accident.

   Antonyms: intent, design

5. a fortuitous circumstance, quality, or characteristic.

   an accident of birth.

6. Philosophy.,  any entity or event contingent upon the existence of something else.

7. Geology.,  a surface irregularity, usually on a small scale, the reason for which is not apparent.

accident

/ ˈæksɪdənt /

noun

1. an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause

2. anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune

   I met him by accident

3. a misfortune or mishap, esp one causing injury or death

4. Also called: adjunct. logic philosophy a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something (as opposed to substance)

5. metaphysics a property as contrasted with the substance in which it inheres

6. geology a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp in a rock formation or a river system

Other Word Forms

• postaccident adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accident¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin accident-, stem of accidēns “happening,” present participle of accidere “to befall, happen,” from ac- ac- + -cidere, combining form of cadere “to fall”

Word History and Origins

Origin of accident¹

C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to + cadere to fall

Example Sentences

"The investigation shows that it was an accident," he added.

Read more on Barron's

The video opens by describing a major biking accident that upended Beutner’s life about 17 years ago, leading him to enter public service and “take a different path.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The court confirmed that charges included failing to stop after an accident, driving while using a mobile phone and driving without third party insurance.

Read more on BBC

Like Tate, I lost both my parents in accidents.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The cause of the accident is unknown but an investigation has been launched.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• calamity 
• casualty 
• disaster 
• hazard 
• mishap 
• pileup 
• setback