# sentinel event

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. Any unanticipated or unusual event in a medical setting which results in death or serious physical injury to a person or persons, specifically including limb loss or gross motor function.

## Etymology
As defined by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/sentinel-event