'collateral damage' definitions:

Definition of 'collateral damage'

From: WordNet
noun
(euphemism) inadvertent casualties and destruction inflicted on civilians in the course of military operations

Definition of 'collateral damage'

From: GCIDE
  • Collateral \Col*lat"er*al\ (k[o^]l*l[a^]t"[~e]r*al), a. [LL. collateralis; col- + lateralis lateral. See Lateral.]
  • 1. Coming from, being on, or directed toward, the side; as, collateral pressure. "Collateral light." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Acting in an indirect way. [1913 Webster]
  • If by direct or by collateral hand They find us touched, we will our kingdom give . . . To you in satisfaction. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Related to, but not strictly a part of, the main thing or matter under consideration; hence, subordinate; not chief or principal; as, collateral interest; collateral issues. [1913 Webster]
  • That he [Attebury] was altogether in the wrong on the main question, and on all the collateral questions springing out of it, . . . is true. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Tending toward the same conclusion or result as something else; additional; as, collateral evidence. [1913 Webster]
  • Yet the attempt may give Collateral interest to this homely tale. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. (Genealogy) Descending from the same stock or ancestor, but not in the same line or branch or one from the other; -- opposed to lineal. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: Lineal descendants proceed one from another in a direct line; collateral relations spring from a common ancestor, but from different branches of that common stirps or stock. Thus the children of brothers are collateral relations, having different fathers, but a common grandfather. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]
  • Collateral assurance, that which is made, over and above the deed itself.
  • Collateral circulation (Med. & Physiol.), circulation established through indirect or subordinate branches when the supply through the main vessel is obstructed.
  • Collateral issue. (Law) (a) An issue taken upon a matter aside from the merits of the case. (b) An issue raised by a criminal convict who pleads any matter allowed by law in bar of execution, as pardon, diversity of person, etc. (c) A point raised, on cross-examination, aside from the issue fixed by the pleadings, as to which the answer of the witness, when given, cannot subsequently be contradicted by the party asking the question.
  • Collateral security, security for the performance of covenants, or the payment of money, besides the principal security.
  • collateral damage, (Mil.) damage caused by a military operation, such as a bombing, to objects or persons not themselves the intended target of the attack. [1913 Webster +PJC]