accident

noun

UK /ˈæksɪd(ə)nt/

Word Forms

singular	accident
plural	accidents

1
countable a crash involving a car, train, plane, or other vehicle
a fatal accident on the motorway between Paris and Lyons
He was killed in a car accident.
The accident was caused by ice on the road.
Synonyms and related words
Vehicle accidents and breakdowns
accident
aquaplane
bang up
1. 1a
  a sudden event that results in damage, injury, or death
  Seven men were killed in a serious mining accident yesterday.
  a riding/climbing/hunting accident
  Synonyms and related words
  Accidents
  accident
  mishap
  calamity
2. 1b
  a mistake that causes minor damage or harm
  Don’t make such a fuss – it was an accident.
  Synonyms and related words
  Accidents
  accident
  mishap
  calamity
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with accident
▪ bad, fatal, horrific, minor, nasty, serious, tragic
2
countable/uncountable something that happens unexpectedly, without being planned
To be honest, my second pregnancy was an accident.
Synonyms and related words
Chance events and happening by chance
accident
coincidence
fluke
3
accidents will happen
used to say that however hard you try to be careful and cautious, unexpected things are likely to happen
Accidents will happen, especially when you’re wearing white clothes.
Submitted by:
Boris Marchenko from Russian Federation on 02/07/2017
Open Dictionary - July2017
4
have an accident
if someone, especially a child, has an accident, they urinate or excrete without intending to do it
Children can have an accident at night sometimes.
Submitted by:
Caleb Judy from United States on 29/06/2015
Open Dictionary - June2015

phrases

an accident of birth

an accident waiting to happen

by accident

it is no accident

accident ​‌‌‌

accidents will happen

have an accident

accident ​‌‌‌

accidents will happen

have an accident

accident

accident