Accident Meaning and Definition
Accident
Pronunciation
/ˈæ.kɪ.dənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
An occurrence, usually sudden and unexpected, resulting in harm, injury, or damage, typically caused by an unexpected event, a mistake, or a series of circumstances.
Examples
- The car accident resulted in significant damage to the vehicle and injuries to the passengers.
- A fall from the treehouse caused an accident that left the child with a broken arm.
Synonyms
- Mishap
- Tragedy
- Disaster
Antonyms
- Success
- Accomplishment
- Event
Etymology
The word “Accident” comes from the Latin “accidere,” meaning “to fall upon” or “to happen unexpectedly.”
Usage Notes
When describing an incident, it’s common to use the phrase “accident occurred” instead of “accident happened.”
Cultural References
In popular culture, the phrase “It was an accident” is often used to excuse or downplay wrongdoing.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Accident prone
Related Words or Phrases
- Mishap
- Tragedy
- Disaster
- Error
- Mistake
Collocations
Accident and prevention, accident and insurance, accident and investigation
Frequency of Use
The word “Accident” is commonly used in daily conversation, media reports, and legal proceedings.
Common Misspellings
Accedent, Accidently, Accidnt