Definition of the word casualty

The word "casualty" has its roots in the Old French word "casualité" which meant chance or hazard. It was adopted into the English language during the 14th century as "casualitee," used to describe a person who suffered harm or loss by chance or accident. In military terms, the word "casualty" first appeared in the early 17th century, used to refer to soldiers who were killed, wounded, or missing in action during warfare. Over time, the term came to be broader in its scope, including civilians as well as military personnel who suffered harm in conflict or other disasters such as accidents, natural disasters, or medical mishaps. Today, the word "casualty" is commonly used in a variety of fields, including medicine, insurance, law enforcement, and disaster management, to refer to any individual who has sustained injury, loss, or harm. Despite its origins in the concept of chance or hazard, the word has come to be associated more closely with the idea of harm or loss, reflecting the broad range of contexts in which it is now used.