accident
An unexpected event with negative consequences occurring without the intention of the one suffering the consequences, and (in the strict sense) not directly caused by humans.
Noun 4 meanings
An unexpected event with negative consequences occurring without the intention of the one suffering the consequences, and (in the strict sense) not directly caused by humans.
“to die by an accident such as an act of God”
A collision or crash of a vehicle, aircraft, or other form of transportation that causes damage to the transportation involved; and sometimes injury or death to the transportation's occupants or bystanders in close proximity. (but see Usage notes)
“There was a huge accident on I5 involving 15 automobiles.”
Any chance event.
Chance; random chance.
Adjective 1 meaning
Designating any form of transportation involved in an accident.
“The NTSB report revealed that the accident airplane was a Cessna 172.”
Etymology
First attested in the late 14th century. From Middle English accident, from Old French accident, from Latin accidēns, present active participle of accidō (“happen”); from ad (“to”) + cadō (“fall”). See cadence, case. In the sense “unintended pregnancy”, first attested in 1932.
Similar and opposite words
ACCIDENT at a glance
ACCIDENT has 8 letters and scores 13 points in Scrabble (A 1 + C 3 + C 3 + I 1 + D 2 + E 1 + N 1 + T 1) and 16 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #1,931 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with accident
All rhymesOne letter away
- OCCIDENT13
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