Collateral damage意思

"Collateral damage" is a term used to describe the unintended or incidental damage or harm caused to something other than the intended target in the course of military operations or other actions. The term is most commonly used in the context of military actions, such as bombing or missile strikes, where innocent civilians or their property, or other non-combatant entities, may be harmed or destroyed.

The concept of collateral damage is often used in discussions about the ethics and legality of military actions, and it is a factor that military planners take into consideration when planning operations. The goal is to minimize collateral damage as much as possible while still achieving the objectives of the operation.

However, it is important to note that the term "collateral damage" can be controversial, as it can be seen as a way to downplay or justify the harm caused to non-combatants. Some argue that there is no such thing as "acceptable" collateral damage, and that any harm caused to innocent civilians is unacceptable and should be avoided at all costs.