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 prevents large concentrations of civilians at the airport, which makes it easier to manage in an emergency and lowers the risk of collateral damage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

They are real human beings and not collateral damage.

From Salon • Mar. 3, 2026

Jonah was just collateral damage, falling with Gary when somebody else knocked Gary down.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix