friendly fire

noun

: the firing of weapons from one's own forces or those of an ally especially when resulting in the accidental death or injury of one's own personnel

Near the river bordering our camp I find the tents of the four soldiers who were supposedly hit by friendly fire.

—Janine Di Giovanni

After all, accidental attacks, though tragic, are common in war. In 1967 alone, "friendly fire" killed 5,373 Americans fighting in Vietnam.

—Michael Oren

Examples of friendly fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Last June, Officer Krystal Rivera was killed in the line of duty by friendly fire during a chase of a suspect with a warrant. —Silvana Tabares, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Federal officials have disputed reports that the shot that struck the agent was friendly fire. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 May 2026

Curran’s statement follows media reports that the agent was struck by friendly fire. —Sarah Davis, The Hill, 1 May 2026

Investigators determined that the Secret Service Uniformed Division officer was not struck by friendly fire from another member of law enforcement, the sources said. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for friendly fire

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer