collateral damage
noun
: injury inflicted on something other than an intended target
specifically
: civilian casualties of a military operation
Examples of collateral damage in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For the second time in a matter of months, the gears of the federal government have ground to a halt, and once again, the men and women who serve on the front lines of our national security are being treated as collateral damage.
—
Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Established on the principle that a person’s humanity mattered more their immigration status, this was an important protection mechanism that ensured the most vulnerable (like schoolchildren and those who are ill) didn’t become collateral damage when immigration enforcement escalated.
—Dr. Lauren Palladino, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
Traditional quest narratives, shaped by the hero’s journey, are tethered to swords, battles, monsters, and a troubling disregard for collateral damage.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Here’s to every day being a good hair day this spring… and to your wallet not having to take on the role of collateral damage.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for collateral damage
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Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Established on the principle that a person’s humanity mattered more their immigration status, this was an important protection mechanism that ensured the most vulnerable (like schoolchildren and those who are ill) didn’t become collateral damage when immigration enforcement escalated.
—Dr. Lauren Palladino, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
Traditional quest narratives, shaped by the hero’s journey, are tethered to swords, battles, monsters, and a troubling disregard for collateral damage.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Here’s to every day being a good hair day this spring… and to your wallet not having to take on the role of collateral damage.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for collateral damage
Cite this Entry
“Collateral damage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collateral%20damage. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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