'incident' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incidere,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'cadere' meant 'to fall.'

'incident' changed from the Late Latin word 'incidens' (present participle of 'incidere') and entered English via Middle English, influenced by Anglo-French and Late Latin forms, eventually becoming the modern English word 'incident'.

Initially, it meant 'to fall upon' or 'that which happens (often by chance)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an event or occurrence', especially one that is noteworthy or problematic.