accident

American  

[ak-si-duhnt] / ˈæk sɪ dənt /

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.

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accident British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• postaccident adjective

Etymology

Origin of accident

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”

Example Sentences

"I think the accident affirmed what I was always worried about, knowing life can just change in an instant and things aren't always in your control," Judd says.

From BBC

"Sometimes the best science happens by accident," said co-investigator John Noonan, a research professor in the Department of Physics at Auburn University in Alabama.

From Science Daily

The grade-two calf tear he sustained originated from a "freak accident" when he overstretched at the end of his semi-final, straining the muscle which eventually gave out in the medal race.

From BBC

Farmer also said it is not the first time there has been a bad accident on the road.

From BBC

Given that many of the factories are close to each other and to residential areas, what precautions are in place in case of fire or an industrial accident?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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