incident - Definition | Dictionary definition of incident

Definition of incident

a single distinct event

Types:: show 4 types...; hide 4 types...; cause celebre
an incident that attracts great public attention; contagion, infection, transmission
an incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted; scene
an incident (real or imaginary); sideshow
a subordinate incident of little importance relative to the main event

Type of:: happening, natural event, occurrence, occurrent
an event that happens

a public disturbance

"the police investigated an incident at the bus station"

Type of:: commotion, disruption, disturbance, flutter, hoo-ha, hoo-hah, hurly burly, kerfuffle, to-do
a disorderly outburst or tumult

falling or striking of light rays on something

"incident light"

(sometimes followed by `to') minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence

"incidental expenses"

"the road will bring other incidental advantages"

"extra duties incidental to the job"

"labor problems incidental to a rapid expansion"

"confusion incidental to a quick change"

Synonyms:: incidental; omissible
capable of being left out; parenthetic, parenthetical
qualifying or explaining; placed or as if placed in parentheses; peripheral
related to the key issue but not of central importance; secondary
depending on or incidental to what is original or primary

Antonyms:: basic
pertaining to or constituting a base or basis; basal, base
serving as or forming a base; elemental, elementary, primary
of or being the essential or basic part; fundamental, rudimentary, underlying
being or involving basic facts or principles; grassroots
fundamental; radical
arising from or going to the root or source; show more antonyms...