collateral damage

American  

noun

1. the killing of civilians in a military attack.

2. any damage incidental to an activity.

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collateral damage British  

noun

1. military unintentional damage to civil property and civilian casualties, caused by military operations

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Etymology

Origin of collateral damage

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

But they did not want their children to become collateral damage in the labor fight.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

It classifies any collateral damage as an attack.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

"Pakistan's targeting is precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted," the information ministry said.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Rosenzweig came to suspect that the “whole” can’t be seized in one grand idea—whether Reason, History or Nation—without turning the individual into collateral damage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

She had not wanted their family to become collateral damage in a war that had no discernible fronts, no real shape, and no rules.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers