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

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

From Barron's

“Did you calculate the collateral damage before pulling the trigger?”

From The Wall Street Journal

But those security forces are located in busy residential areas, often causing collateral damage, residents said.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

But the world’s population giant is experiencing collateral damage anyway, at an already challenging time.

From Barron's