occur to happen or exist in a particular place or situation He wondered how the accident had occurred. That sound does not occur in my language. an idea or thought suddenly comes into your minds The possibility that she might be wrong never occurred to her. It occurred to me that I should call the police.occur • to happen or exist in a particular place or situation He wondered how the accident had occurred. That sound does not occur in my language. • an idea or thought suddenly comes into your minds The possibility that she might be wrong never occurred to her. It occurred to me that I should call the police