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n. 1. An event or happening, or the time of an event or happening: On several occasions, we saw him riding a motorcycle. 2. A significant event, especially a large or important social gathering: The reception proved to be quite the occasion. 3. A favorable or appropriate time or juncture: saw the layoff as an occasion to change careers. See Synonyms at opportunity. 4. a. A cause of or reason for something: a trade disagreement that furnished the occasion for war. See Synonyms at cause. b. A need created by a particular circumstance: "He must buy what he has little occasion for" (Laurence Sterne). 5. occasions Archaic Personal requirements or necessities. tr.v. oc·ca·sioned, oc·ca·sion·ing, oc·ca·sions Idioms: To provide occasion for; cause: "The broadcast and its immediate aftermath occasioned a cascade of media commentary" (Lewis Sorley). on occasion From time to time; now and then. rise to the occasion To find the ability to deal with an unexpected challenge. take the occasion To make use of the opportunity (to do something). [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin occāsiō, occāsiōn-, from occāsus, past participle of occidere, to fall : ob-, down; see OB- + cadere, to fall; see kad- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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