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

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

Senior law enforcement officials told CBS News on Wednesday that the round that struck the Secret Service officer was not friendly fire. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

Crosby absorbed a direct hit, albeit from friendly fire, and bounced back immediately. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

His death was later determined to have resulted from friendly fire during an ambush on his platoon. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 23 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