incident

Definition

  • noun: an unexpected and usually unpleasant thing that happens
  • noun: something dependent on or subordinate to something else of greater or principal importance
  • synonyms: casual, fortuitous, befalling

Examples

  • The suspects were arrested 'without incident'. [=without any unexpected trouble]

  • Aside from a few isolated 'incidents', the crowd was well-behaved.

  • We just want to put that embarrassing 'incident' behind us.

Movie quotes

  • (..) DOC: She encountered her older self and went into shock. DOC: Then I'll destroy the time machine. MARTY: Destroy it? DOC: The risks are too great, as this incident proves. And I was behaving responsibly. Imagine if the time machine fell into the wrong hands? DOC: My only regret... (..)
    1989 Back to the Future Part II
  • (..) power left to knock your son out for a full hour. Doc, Doc, look at this! It's changing. GRIFF: Yes! Yes, of course! DOC: Because this hoverboard incident occurred, Griff goes to jail. Your son won't go with him tonight. That robbery won't take place! History, future history, (..)
    1989 Back to the Future Part II