noun
incident; disturbance; emergency
Refers to a serious event that disrupts public order, often with political or military implications. Can range from a major accident to an uprising. More formal and weighty than 事件.
満州事変は1931年に起きた。
The Manchurian Incident occurred in 1931.
政府は事変に備えて対策を練っている
The government is preparing measures in case of an emergency.
Compound of 事 (thing, matter) and 変 (change, unusual event). The combination conveys a significant, abnormal occurrence.