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 the incident left a trail of collateral damage, several European diplomats said on condition of anonymity.

From Barron's

There are those not only livid with Lord Mandelson, but livid at the collateral damage being done to the prime minister.

From BBC

Markets will differentiate between assets that suffered structural damage and those that experienced collateral damage.

From MarketWatch

Short’s image has proven collateral damage in the long project to solve her crime.

From Los Angeles Times

She said the rights of women and children in the EU should not be "collateral damage" of X's services.

From Barron's