[oc.cur.rence] n (1539) 1: something that occurs "a startling ~"
2: the action or instance of occurring "the repeated ~ of petty theft in the locker room" syn occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place. occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan "an encounter that was a chance occurrence". event usu. implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause "the events following the assassination". incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance "a minor wartime incident". episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident "a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work". circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background "couldn't recall the exact circumstances".