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Casualty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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casualty

[ˈkazʃuəlti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

injury

A person who is killed or injured in a war or accident.

Synonyms

fatality, injured person, victim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
casualty

This term is commonly used in situations involving large-scale accidents, disasters, or military actions. It refers to people who have been killed, injured, or gone missing.

  • The earthquake caused numerous casualties.
  • There were several casualties reported after the plane crash.
victim

This term can be used in a wide range of situations where someone has suffered harm, loss, or are adversely affected by an incident, crime, or disaster. It carries a connotation of suffering and would not be used to describe the person as neutral.

  • The victims of the robbery were left traumatized.
  • Support groups have been set up for the victims of the flood.
fatality

This word is specifically used to refer to deaths resulting from accidents or disasters. It is often used in reports or news to indicate the number of deaths caused by an event.

  • The storm caused 10 fatalities.
  • Road accidents have resulted in numerous fatalities this year.
injured person

This phrase is used to describe someone who has sustained physical harm or injury. It is often used in medical, accident, or emergency contexts.

  • Emergency services arrived and assisted the injured persons.
  • The injured person was taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Examples of usage

  • The casualties of the battle were numerous.
  • The paramedics rushed to help the casualties of the car crash.
Context #2 | Noun

military

A member of the armed forces lost to service through death, wounds, sickness, capture, or because his or her whereabouts or condition are unknown.

Synonyms

fallen soldier, martyr, warrior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
casualty

Used to refer to someone who is injured or killed in an accident, war, or situation involving violence. This term can be either neutral or carry a slightly negative undertone, depending on the context.

  • The earthquake resulted in numerous casualties.
  • During the battle, there were several casualties on both sides.
fallen soldier

A respectful term specifically used for soldiers who have died in combat. This phrase honors their sacrifice and is often used in memorials and remembrances.

  • The memorial was erected in honor of the fallen soldiers.
  • Every year, we commemorate the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.
martyr

Refers to someone who is killed for their beliefs or principles, often religious or ideological. Sometimes used in a positive light, but can also have a negative connotation if seen as someone seeking to gain sympathy or support by suffering.

  • Saint Joan of Arc is considered a martyr for her religious faith.
  • He became a martyr for the cause of independence.
warrior

Describes a person who is experienced in fighting or combat, often with connotations of bravery and skill. This term is typically used in a positive or admiring way.

  • The ancient warriors were known for their strength and bravery.
  • She fought like a true warrior, never backing down.

Examples of usage

  • The army reported five casualties in the latest attack.
  • The casualties were honored with a memorial service.
Context #3 | Noun

sacrifice

Something or someone that is lost or destroyed in order to achieve a particular purpose or because of a particular situation.

Synonyms

loss, sacrifice, victim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
casualty

Used in contexts related to accidents, disasters, or conflicts, where people are injured or killed.

  • The earthquake resulted in numerous casualties
  • There were several casualties in the car accident
loss

Employed in a broader range of situations, including financial loss, emotional loss, or the death of someone.

  • He felt a great loss when his grandmother passed away
  • The company reported a financial loss this quarter
victim

Refers to someone who has been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event.

  • The victims of the robbery received counseling
  • He was a victim of identity theft
sacrifice

Used when someone gives up something valuable or important, often for the benefit of others or for a cause.

  • She made a great sacrifice by moving to a new city for her family
  • The soldiers' sacrifices will never be forgotten

Examples of usage

  • The project was a casualty of the company's budget cuts.
  • In times of war, civilian lives often become casualties.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Perspective

  • In medical circles, terms like 'casualty department' refer to emergency rooms where injured individuals receive urgent care.
  • The concept of triage, developed during wars, categorizes casualties based on the severity of their injuries for prioritization of treatment.

Historical Context

  • In World War I, the term 'casualty' became widely used to account for the high number of military personnel injured or lost.
  • Detailed accounts of casualties are often recorded in historical texts to honor those who lost their lives in battles.

Societal Impact

  • Casualties in conflicts often lead to significant societal change, prompting movements for peace or policy reforms.
  • Media coverage of casualty figures can influence public opinion, shaping perceptions of ongoing wars and humanitarian crises.

Psychological Impacts

  • Survivors of incidents with casualties may experience trauma, leading to conditions such as PTSD.
  • The loss of life in accidents or conflicts can deeply affect communities, leading to grief and a sense of helplessness.

Origin of 'casualty'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'casualitas', meaning chance or accident, showing how unexpected events lead to a casualty.
  • The word has been used in English since the early 15th century, originally referring to things that happened by chance.

The word 'casualty' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'casualis' meaning 'by chance'. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to the unfortunate individuals affected by war, accidents, or sacrifices. The term has been widely used in military contexts to describe soldiers lost in battle, as well as in civilian situations to denote victims of various circumstances.

See also: casually, casualness, casualties, casualwear.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,686, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.