Casualty
/ˈkæʒuəlti/
Definitions
A person killed or injured as a result of a violent event.
/ˈkæʒuəlti/
A person killed or injured in a war or accident.
The accident caused several casualties.
💡 Simply: Someone who is hurt or killed in an accident or battle.
👶 For kids: Someone who got hurt or is sad because of something bad that happened.
More Examples
War always brings many casualties.
How It's Used
"The hospital reported a high number of casualties after the earthquake."
"The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides."
From Old French *casualté*, from Latin *casus* "a fall, chance event". Originally referred to an accident or mishap; the modern meaning of a person killed or injured in an accident or war developed later.
While the word originally referred to accidents, its association with war became prevalent during the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think 'casual' turned serious - a serious accident resulting in injury or death.