Accident

/ˈæk.sɪ.dənt/ · noun

Meaning

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..

Definitions by Sense

1. 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.
2. (transport) 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)
3. Any chance event.
4. (uncountable) Chance; random chance.
5. Any property, fact, or relation that is the result of chance or is nonessential or nonsubstantive.
6. (euphemistic) An instance of incontinence.
7. (euphemistic) An unintended pregnancy.
8. (geology) An irregular surface feature with no apparent cause.

Example Sentences

to die by an accident such as an act of God

Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances, / Of moving accidents by flood and field[…]

There was a huge accident on I5 involving 15 automobiles.

My insurance went up after the second accident in three months.

Surprisingly, this analysis revealed that acute exposure to solvent vapors at concentrations below those associated with long-term effects appears to increase the risk of a fatal automobile accident. Furthermore, this increase in risk is comparable to the risk of death from leukemia after long-term exposure to benzene, another solvent, which has the well-known property of causing this type of cancer.

He also objects to the idea of women arising by an accident of nature, preferring the notion that they came about as a 'result of some strong mental impression', and so 'the sex of the progeny would have been settled by the decision of the progenitor'.

c.1861-1863, Richard Chevenix Trench, in 1888, Letters and memorials, Volume 1, Thou cam'st not to thy place by accident, / It is the very place God meant for thee; […]

And so with his writing, which he proudly said was a perfect counterpart of his life. Accident played a major part in both.

Synonyms for accident

Antonyms for accident

Related Words

Word Forms

• accidents

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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