'accident' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'accidens,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'cadere' meant 'to fall.'

'accidens' transformed into the Old French word 'accident,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accident' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a chance event,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an unexpected event, typically resulting in damage or injury.'