Accident Definition
ăksĭ-dənt, -dĕnt
accidents
noun
accidents
An unexpected and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harm.
An accident on the assembly line; car accidents on icy roads.
American Heritage
A happening that is not expected, foreseen, or intended.
Webster's New World
An unforeseen event that is not the result of intention or has no apparent cause.
A series of happy accidents led to his promotion.
American Heritage
An unpleasant and unintended happening, sometimes resulting from negligence, that results in injury, loss, damage, etc.
Webster's New World
An instance of involuntary urination or defecation.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
Other Word Forms of Accident
Noun
Singular:
accident
Plural:
accidentsOrigin of Accident
-
First attested in the late 14th century. First attested in reference to an unintended pregnancy in 1932. From Middle English, from Old French accident, from Latin accidēns, present active participle of accidō (“happen”); from ad (“to”) + cadō (“fall”). See cadence, case.
From Wiktionary
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Middle English chance event from Old French from Latin accidēns accident- present participle of accidere to happen ad- ad- cadere to fall kad- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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