hors de combat

[ awr duh kawn-ba ]

adverb

, French.

1. out of the fight; disabled; no longer able to fight.

hors de combat

/ ɔr də kɔ̃ba /

adjective

1. disabled or injured

Word History and Origins

Origin of hors de combat¹

literally: out of (the) fight

Example Sentences

There is reason to believe they lost about twelve men killed, thirty-five wounded, and thirty-two horses hors de combat.

From Project Gutenberg

I wouldn't have troubled you to send for me, only the tandem's hors de combat.

From Project Gutenberg

Two thousand six hundred men are hors de combat; and the chivalrous Potty is himself seriously hurt.

From Project Gutenberg

Fully one third of the troops which had paraded at dawn in full confidence of success were now hors-de-combat.

From Project Gutenberg

The man stepped forward, but Tempest was too quick for him, and a well-aimed thrust with the sword placed the man hors de combat.

From Project Gutenberg