Casualty

Definition

Casualty refers to a person killed or injured in a war, accident, or disaster. It can also refer to a loss or setback resulting from an unfortunate event.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkæʒuəlti/
• Respelling: KAZH-oo-uhl-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkæʒuəlti/
• Respelling: KAZH-oo-uhl-tee

Etymology

The word "casualty" originates from the Middle French word "casuel," meaning "accidental." It is derived from the Latin word "casualis," meaning "by chance" or "accidental." The term evolved in English during the late 14th century to refer to injuries or deaths caused by accidents or conflict.

Derivatives

• Casual (adjective)
• Casually (adverb)
• Casualize (verb)
• Casualty department (noun)
• Casualty rate (noun)

Synonyms

• Victim
• Loss
• Fatality

Antonyms

• Survivor
• None
• None

Usage

The noun "casualty" is most commonly used in contexts involving accidents, natural disasters, or military conflicts to refer to those injured or killed. For example, "The hurricane caused hundreds of casualties." It can also be used more broadly to refer to something negatively impacted by an event, as in "The company was a casualty of the economic downturn."

Related Terms

• Injury: Physical harm or damage to the body caused by an accident or attack.
• Disaster: A sudden, catastrophic event that causes significant damage or loss.
• Fatality: A death caused by an accident or conflict.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A person killed or injured in a war, accident, or disaster: Refers to individuals who suffer harm or death as a result of a conflict or unfortunate event.
  • Example: "The battle resulted in many casualties on both sides."
• A victim of an unfortunate event: Refers to something or someone negatively affected by a crisis or disaster.
  • Example: "The small business became a casualty of the economic recession."