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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

collateral damage

I can’t count myself in their company, knowing that the collateral damage would likely be massive.

From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026

The collateral damage to the rest of the world as the two countries try to seek out each other’s economic pressure points could prove significant.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

Too often a car crash involves collateral damage to other vehicles or bystanders.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

"The collateral damage from such strikes could also have a serious impact on the Russian economy, as well as a psychological effect on Russian society and, likely, on continued support for the war."

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

I felt immediately sorry Dadi had become collateral damage; I’ve never spoken to her that way.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon

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